Have You Forgotten How To Blush? by Fred Newman

Blushing is the bodies physical response to the emotion of embarrassment or anger. God said of His people, Israel, that they did not know how to blush, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time I punish them, they shall be cast down, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 6:15). Have we (Christians) forgotten how to blush?How Do You Dress? When women and men dress in provocative and revealing clothing without embarrassment, I know that some have forgotten how to blush! This problem has even permeated into our worship assemblies. Sadly, it is not uncommon to see women wearing tops and skirts, dresses or pants that are so tight that their every proportion is shown through their clothing. Skirts and dresses are sometimes so short that women have difficulty sitting without revealing not only their legs but their undergarments as well. The Lord had this to say about a woman’s attire, “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Men’s pants and shirts can be just as revealing and sensual as women’s clothing. Men have equal responsibility to dress modestly.How Are You Entertained? Sometimes when brethren are discussing the movies and music that is part of their entertainment, I know that they have forgotten how to blush! In defense of the music which they listen to and the movies that they watch, Christians sometimes argue that these do not affect them. I only listen to the tune; I do not pay attention to the words. The thoughts with which we fill our minds have an effect on the kind of people that we become. Jehovah said regarding man, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life” (Proverbs 4:23 NCV). God instructs His children to fill their minds with wholesome thoughts and not with music and movies that are full of sex, violence, and twisted thinking. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).What Do Your Words Say About You? As you listen to some Christians speaking, it is apparent that they have forgotten how to blush! The language that proceeds from the mouths of some of my brethren is enough to sting ones ears. The flippant use of God’s name, using profanity when angry, and euphemisms should not come from the tongue of God’s people. God commands His people, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Christians should also avoid engaging in off-colored jokes to impress others or to fit in with the crowd. Paul wrote, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:4). In addition, Christians should be positive people and not constant complainers. God was very displeased with Israel when they complained and sent the destroyer to punish them. We need to be sure that we use words that will not condemn us nor cause dishonor to the name of our Lord. Christ Jesus told His followers, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).Have You Forgotten How To Blush?