Not to sound too cynical, and though I really do see that there is some good out there in society, the fact is: America is pretty vulgar. So much so that a lot of the so-called vulgarity has slipped into our subconscious and we don’t even notice it anymore. Does anyone bat (get it!) an eye when a commercial for anti-zit cream seems to feature a woman in her underwear splashing her face with water?

You’re picturing it right now aren’t you? See!

Movies rated G have children saying words I would have been spanked from here to next Tuesday for saying. Call me old fashioned but I can’t recall John Madden and Al Michaels ever cursing during a Monday Night Football game, but I’ve heard Jon Gruden say “Hell of a catch” and “Damn good football player” too many times to count. Not to sound like Bob Dole, but where is the outrage? Where is call for decency?Have you seen a text message lately? O.M.G. this and O.M.G. that.

I’ve taught teens for ten years and I know a glazed-over look when I see one. I know when a kid is out of it and not paying attention. It happens. I’ve been there (and done that). What I see more of lately, is the kid in class (I taught young people at a youth event at UCA a few weeks back) who laughs and cuts up without any respect for those around him. The kid who texts (loudly). The kid who puts his head down and sleeps (loudly). And so on.

But if you think this is a new phenomenon you are mistaken:

“Our youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter before company; gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.”

–Socrates (maybe Pluto, either way it was a guy from a long time ago!)

Decency has long been ignored and the only way it will return is by setting a good example. Though it is an action commonly associated with “service” (another virtue that is losing momentum in the world), consider what our Lord did on the night of His last supper:

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

John 13:4-5

The Master was demonstrating service, certainly (He said as much–John 13:16), nevertheless, His words convey the virtue of decency as well. The disciples feet were dirty, someone had to wash them. Either they would continue in their dirty state or they would need to be cleaned. Because the disciples were apparently in no hurry to volunteer, the Lord took it upon Himself to do so. Why? Because it was the decent thing to do. It was tasteful (to have clean feet at the dinner table) and proper. The Lord cared about such things; we should too.

Lets follow His example, and not be crass or vulgar or dirty. I’m not talking about our feet, but our minds and mouths. Let’s let the Lord wash our minds and mouths so that our thoughts and words bring honor (not shame) to Him.

Have a great day!