A Matter Of Concern: The Lamentations Of An Old School Boy!
Luke 16:15
NIV
[15] He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight.
(And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.)
(KJV)
It was many decades ago, in fact in my youthful days that these words were drummed into my ears; to the intent that I should not seek fame or popularity the wrong way. Human endorsement through the wrong means/reasons.
Those were the days, just like it is today that everybody wants to be somebody! Everybody wants to be seen, and be regarded as “somebody” and to achieve this one has to do something weird and unusual!
Just like today, morality was turned upside down through the wearing of special hairstyles, indecent clothing, and vulgar appearances with earrings tucked in men’s ears. Men plaiting their hair just like women.
At that time it was on a minimal scale not full-blown as today. Surely this way you’ll attract attention and be seen as different. This was an era we called the “ justify your inclusion” era “be in or be left out.”
A few drifted and joined the “immoral revolution” instead of upholding the “ moral revolutionary principles “ bequeathed This was how we got to where we are today. A generation failed to uphold, protect and defend values that was bequeathed to them.
Today the unacceptable of the past has become acceptable. Men wearing earrings were unknown then, and men with unkempt beards and hair were unknown then. What we now know as “Rasta hairstyle” was the preserve of the mentally challenged.
Wearing trousers with cuts/holes all over was also the preserve of the mentally challenged! Wearing and exposing undergarments as outer covering, even the bras of women were concealed. Not anymore.
Today you must expose the “not to be exposed” in public, “do the not to be done “ in public “ behave unbehavingly (sic) ” in public etc; all in the name of seeking attention, popularity and recognition! Validation is the word.
What made many uncomfortable then, makes the majority comfortable today. The apologists of these would say “ society is dynamic, social change is inevitable” which is true; but social values are non-negotiable, they are the basis of social cohesion.
In the sixties/seventies, there was this moral upheaval in the form of a lifestyle known as the hippie lifestyle. It was characterised by drug abuse, open confrontations with the law etc. It was a “ protest culture “ which is what every negative moral revolution is.
Beloved in the midst of all these may we remember at all times and in all generations that “ What people value highly is detestable in God's sight.”
May we also note and observe these cautionary warnings ;
Romans 12
KJV
2+ And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Peter 1
KJV
14+ As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16+ Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 John 2
KJV
15+ Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Like the psalmist, let us pray this prayer always ;
Psalms 51
KJV
10+ Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
I hope you’ll bear with the “lamentations” of the “old school boy”! He is not a “Mr Kill Joy” but a realist and a Christian pragmatist!
A word to the wise.