Why can't you just live and let live?" The rhetorical question in many forms was directed at me by teenage Aaron over the years. With a more developed insight than vocabulary his statement typically got an effect from me which uncovered a more disguised intellect in me. My frustration and fear showed. So did my lack of any logical answer. I did not know what a healthy "live and let live" attitude looked like.
The concept of "live and let live" (LALL) is at its best a beautiful, peaceful way of being. It is also used as a shield by every "ism", and culture demanding hands-off when it comes to protecting their intrusive principals. As a shield, LALL resonates more as "Hands Off" or "Mind Your Own Business". Nazism, Fascism, Capitalism, Communism, Socialism, Nationalism prefer that the world LALL. So does the drug culture. Peace brother...and keep your hands off my stash.
Live and Let Live has a place in serenity, and in harmonious life. But LALL requires reciprocal respect. My actions fail to meet the minimum standards of peace when they intrude on the freedoms and serenity of others. Regardless of my style of trespasses, be they business, personal, material, drugs, or money, I can not claim LALL if I am walking on the peace and serenity of other people.
When evil exists in my presence it is not service to God to LALL. I have not been given life to look the other way when evil persists and people suffer. When evil works to tear down, resisting evil, not fighting it is required if I believe in Live and Let Live.
I see LALL practiced in my son Patrick's approach to life and I learn from his example. He is a man of peace and serenity.
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