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Part of what made Christianity appealing, is the moral code to which those who ascribe to the faith subject themselves. From the days of the Enlightenment to the 1960's, the moral code of holiness prevailed, but was constantly sliding away from the puritanical roots from which it came. I have to admit that some of the puritanical code was a bit over the top. But, that was a cultural phenomenon which, though it had influence in many generations, is becoming less and less a part of our post-modern culture. From the days of the sexual revolution of the 1960's until the turn of the century, the slide seemed to change its tilt from a 10 degree slope, to a 30 degree slide. However, since the turn of the century to present, it seems the slide is getting closer and closer to 45 degrees or worse. In short, the degradation of the moral code of Christianity seems to be sliding down the slippery slope all to rapidly!
No, this is not another article about tattoos. You know my feelings about that. Although they are certainly a part of the degradation I refer to, I am really pointing toward the crudity, cynicism, and outright rebellion toward holiness. People who have deep convictions about God and Christ, yet live a pagan lifestyle lacking in any type of humility or purity. This has really placed me at a point in my personal life where I don't know where to draw the line. I'm trying not to be a self-righteous "church lady" here. I'm just trying to make a point. Let me give you an example.
I grew up in a household of a wonderfully noble, beloved man; my father, Bob Hurd. His weakness became my weakness. Foul language was a part of our Marine Corps upbringing around the Hurd house. Even today, as I discipline myself to not use that type of language, there is always that hidden "thorn" which I fear may rear itself at an emotionally charged time. Will I drop any of the infamous George Carlin list of FCC banned bombs? By the grace of God and a conscientious heart, it hasn't happened. It is my #1 effort of holiness. And, may I say, is a very rewarding experience.
This degradation of the holiness culture is finding its way into every denomination and every congregation in America. I believe this free flow of foul vocabulary, and sexual double entendre is more common now than in the past ten years. It is perceived in young adult sectors as chic and sophisticated and witty. It seems like the secular culture is becoming more influential in the Church, than the Bible. While Jesus is still a very likable and real entity, the Church continues to slide in attendance because of one particular reason… lack of sincere holiness. Being "salt" means we are different. Similar to the law of thermodynamics which states that matter moves from a state of organization to disorganization, so the Church continues its slide into blandness which cannot be differentiated from the World.
Hebrews 12:14 says, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." This holiness which the writer of Hebrews refers to, has been falsely contextualized to mean the holiness we acquire after having been saved by Jesus. The context is plainly in regard to holiness which comes from self-discipline, accompanied by the Father's discipline. Simply put… holiness results from discipline (as in "disciple"…hello?).
Hebrews 12:9-11 "…we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His HOLINESS. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED BY IT." (emphasis mine)
Do you see the slippery slope in verse 9? "…we RESPECTED…" When there is a lack of a holiness culture, or in other words, a self-imposed moral code which reflects the mind and purity of heart of Jesus, there is actually a lack of respect for God.
If we respect God, we live our lives in holiness as a memorial to Him. We RESPECT Him and what He has done for our redemption. Holiness becomes a natural result of acknowledging this priceless gift! I know this to be true because repentance is becoming less and less a part of the process of salvation. Our secular culture says, "Hey, you are a human being who is a product of your environment. Therefore you are not to blame." Meaning, inherently, no need to feel guilty about your actions…they're not your fault. No repentance necessary.
Secondly, holiness is a doubled-edged sword. When it swings one way, the Hebrews passage says, "…it is painful…" It swings the other way by yielding, "…a harvest of righteousness and peace."
Our "have it now" culture, doesn't want to go through the pains of self-discipline or discipline from the Father above, because it is painful. Pain is to be avoided at all costs. This type of pain especially. It is a pain which stings greatly because of embarrassment, humiliation, self abasement… in short a Divine reality check. It is not pleasant. It is necessary, however… for those who want to share in the holiness which is Jesus Christ. The connection to salvation is plain. As the writer says, "…without holiness no one will see the Lord."
The question is, "What is considered "over the top" holiness? Like my assertion that the original puritans, were over the top in some of their practices, people in our current secular culture might argue, "Isn't forcing yourself to never use effective curse words, a bit over the top in your idea of holiness?" Maybe, "Hey, I get buzzed, but not drunk. What's the harm?" How about, "You try out a new car before you buy it. Why not a spouse?"
See? To some people who call themselves Christians, they whisper their foul language while in the church building, but speak it plainly in every day operations. As the old quote says, "They sew their wild oats on Saturday, and pray for crop failure on Sunday."
Moreover, how many times have preachers been put into the position by people… Christians… who ask to be married by the preacher, even though they have been living together for months or years and enjoying the liberal lifestyle of sexuality, which goes directly against Jesus' moral code? Is that "over the top?"
According to the results of a new poll, more Americans are drinking than they have in 25 years. A Gallup poll reveals 67 percent of Americans drink some kind of alcoholic beverage. Though the percentage is less for those who claim to be Christians, the number of Christians who drink, is overall increasing as well. (Remember there is no condemnation for drinking in scripture. Only drunkenness.) This demonstrates the secularization from the puritanical polemic of the well-intentioned, yet innately wrong, years of prohibition. (Prohibition was forcing morals upon our secular society. Morals, not more's.)
Secularization of the Church continues today… I fear at an alarming rate. So, I ask, "Where has the holiness culture gone?" Maybe the better question is, "Will it ever return?"
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My friend Given Blakely, offers "Pungent Points" on his Facebook page. Here is one which hits home: