Force

by Cheryl Merrick

Claiming a just God
“Wouldn’t let this happen”,
they relegate Him 
to the position of a mere pawn 
who carries out their desires.

With power they want 
others’ actions controlled,
but not theirs.
While others are to be forced
to do what they want,
they should be allowed
the freedom 
to make mistakes.


Not realizing their earth life
is a time to prove themselves
worthy of greater powers
in the eternities, 
they advocate 
the use of force to 
control others’ behavior
and remove challenges 
from their path.

Loudly protesting unfairness, 
they forget that
a just, loving God
will not force us to heaven.