“Inappropriate Behavior” Gone Wild

A poem that I memorized years ago by the British poet, Alexander Pope came to mind this week.  It goes like this.

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too often, familiar with her face,
We first pity, then endure, then embrace

The moral code and compass of our culture has moved considerably during my life time.   The things that were once shocking and abhorrent, are now accepted, endured and in some circles embraced. 

This week CBS news reported that the State Department may have covered up “allegations of inappropriate behavior” within the department.  The charge of soliciting “sexual favors from prostitutes” has emerged.

Didn’t we just hear about a similar scandal among Secret Service agents last year?  But amidst the putridity of promiscuous behavior, drunkenness, lying, cheating, and greed that is glorified in our culture, it’s hard to be shocked anymore.

In writing about the State Department’s alleged cover-up, Cal Thomas, in his column yesterday wrote, “Ever since President Clinton “did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky,” whatever remains of standards seem to have fallen even lower among people who hold offices and positions once thought to require good behavior and strong moral character.”

By the way, lest anyone think these comments amount to a political potshot  there is plenty of lewd and lurid behavior to go around among Republicans and Independents alike.

The Pslamist’s words still ring true.  “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.”  Or any political party. Or administration. Or organization.  Including the Boy Scouts of America.

Sadly, bad behavior, dishonest dealings, and immoral liaisons are fast becoming the norm instead of the exception.  At least in some segments of our society. The seriousness of this situation was further explored in Mr. Thomas’ column as he observed:

There was a time when bad behavior carried serious consequences; a time when those who exhibited bad behavior suffered socially for their lapses. They lost jobs; they lost marriages; they lost friends. Today, they’re rewarded with book contracts and reality TV shows. What happened to doing what’s right, instead of doing who’s easy? People who grew up with parents who instilled a strong moral code, attended schools that reinforced it and lived in communities that affirmed it, now find that if they question bad behavior today they’re considered behind the times, even prudish.

With the media portraying all sorts of behavior as acceptable; with politicians in high places getting away with low behavior and in some cases paying little or no penalty, where are the deterrents? Disappointing family used to be the default position for avoiding extramarital entanglements in cases where religious or ethical values did not apply.

While each man should be held accountable for his own behavior, the rest of us should consider what we’re promoting and tolerating as a nation and the permission it gives others to follow bad examples.

These are fair questions.  What are we tolerating?  Accepting?  Promoting? And has vice become so inviting and pervasive that it has filled our hearts?  Our heads?  Our homes?

After the apostle Paul condemned the sins of the Gentile world in his letter to the Romans, he also chastised those who approve of those who practice sinful behavior (Rom. 1:32).  We are called to be salt and light.  To be a preserving influence for good.  And a light to dispel the darkness.  We cannot allow our influence to be compromised.  Or diminished.  Or dismissed.

We walk a fine line of living in the world, but not letting the world live in us.  Of being a friend to sinners, but not allowing ourselves to fellowship sin.  Of loving people while disliking their evil deeds.

Folks, we live in perilous times. “Inappropriate behavior” is running wild!  Let us be watchful.  Be faithful.  And be prayerful.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman