The Passing of the Blush

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

It is growing increasingly more difficult to guard against mind pollution. The things that are lovely, true, good, just, and pure are not getting a lot of exposure these days. Do a little research. Listen to the lyrics of today’s music. Count the number of times prostitution, homosexuality, and adultery are portrayed as normal and acceptable on television. Note the movies currently showing. How many of them promote good wholesome themes? How many are of the “adult” variety? Next, survey the local newsstands. Count the number of pornographic publications on display.

Nudity, profanity, and immorality are no longer shocking! We have grown accustomed to this sort of thing. We don’t blush any more. It is reminiscent of the conditions the prophet Jeremiah encountered. When confronting the immorality of his contemporaries, Jeremiah asked: “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?” He then replied to his own question, “No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush” (Jeremiah 6:15). Tragically, the same could be said today. Little is shocking or surprising! Everything must be tolerated in the name of individual freedom, but God’s cry through Jeremiah needs to be heard again. We desperately need to return to the Bible and God’s standard for morality. With Jeremiah we say: “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16).

There are many things about the past we would not want to return to. We are thankful for the many advances modern technology has made possible. But, when it comes to ethics and morality, it would be nice to return to a time when right and wrong were clearly recognizable, and people honored what was right and rejected what was wrong. That time has long since passed, and we are all losers because of it.

The good news is that it’s not hopeless. We can return to the old paths and the good way. And, we can learn to blush again! But, will we? That remains to be seen.