Tag Archives: decency

How Should a Christian Respond to Smut?

Posted on May 27, 2018 by expressyourself4him

A generation ago, the content of movies, songs and television shows were heavily scrutinized.  If there was any traces of questionable material, conservative critics might label this as smut.  This term refers to anything that might be seen as obscene, pornographic or too revealing.  As Hollywood continues to push the envelope beyond decency over the past half century, smut has become mainstream, available at most check out counters in America.  This reality has caused me to ponder, “how should a Christian respond to smut?”

While He was in Bethany [as a guest] at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster vial of very costly and precious perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured the perfume over His head, Mark 14:3.

In the passage above, Jesus is anointed by a woman with a questionable reputation.  According to other accounts of this event in the gospels, this woman’s name is Mary.  Based upon comments made by local guests, Mary was a first century prostitute.  Having a lady of the night approach you at a party might be tempting to the average guy.  Yet, this encounter didn’t phase Jesus, even if Mary’s breasts were hanging out of a low cut blouse.  Jesus was tempted in every way just as men are tempted today by smut, but did not sin.  This makes Jesus the supreme authority on how to respond to and overcome smut.

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin, Hebrews 4:15.

In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to eyes as the lamp of the body.  Keeping them pure is crucial to responding to immodest attire as the summer approaches.  One of Jesus’ disciples refers to three aspects that must be held in check.  According to 1 John 2:15-17, lust, sensual cravings and the longing of eyes stand in the way of responding to smut in a godly manner.  The apostle Paul urges one of his pupils to run away and flee from youthful desires in 2 Timothy 2:22.  According to Paul, the best way to respond to smut is by pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace.  May this advice equip you to overcome future encounters with smut.

by Jay Mankus

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My Opening Monologue

Posted on March 2, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Opening monologues are usually found at the beginning of cable and radio talk shows.  This serves as an outline for a daily program, guiding discussion for the day.  In the past few months, I’ve noticed a disturbing pattern.  While freedom of speech exists in theory, its appears that powerful figures within America fueled by a secular worldview are using exaggeration, gossip and lies to distort the truth.  Subsequently, alternative, conservative and progressive minds are waging war in the media attempting to gain the support of a majority of Americans.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered, Proverbs 11:3.

Whether this is accomplished through hacking, leaking or spying on individuals, I’m surprised that no voice of reason has intervened.  Why hasn’t there been an outcry proclaiming, “we’ve gone too far.” What happened to honest civilized debates where the best and brightest ideas decide the outcome.  Rather, a lack of standards has caused cable news, print media and social media to invoke smear campaigns on anyone who does not hold their political view.  At some point, people are going to tune out completely.

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people, Titus 3:2.

The apostle Paul has a plan to reverse this current trend of cruelty and mean spirited words.  First, don’t attack the person, address disagreements with dignity and respect.  Second, when you reach a point of tension, be gentle in the words that you chose.  Finally, follow the golden rule by treating others as you want to be treated with courtesy.  There will always be conflict, disagreements and power struggles, but if this is done in a civil manner, decency will be restored.  May these words give people a sense of hope for restoration and unity.

by Jay Mankus

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The Content of Character; Not the Color of Your Skin

Posted on August 6, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In this age of instant information, individuals have become synonymous with specific acts, movements or speeches.  Whether its Benedict Arnold during the Revolutionary War, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a civil rights leader or Abraham Lincoln for his second inaugural address, these moments transcend time.  Yet, in the end, you should be judged based upon the content of character displayed, not the color of your skin.

But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, Proverbs 1:24.

During the most recent Democratic and Republican National Convention, certain groups tried to high-jack and steer the audience toward their movement.  Thus, Black Lives Matter either protested or expressed their beliefs within these avenues.  In response, opposition crowds chimed in with All Lives Matter as well as Blue Lives Matter.  These highly charged reactions is freedom of speech in action.  Nonetheless, those caught up by emotions may miss the point, the content of your character is what truly matters.

I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—Proverbs 1:26.

Sure, this day and age is not your parents generation, but respect should be encouraged.  Without decency, open debate and common courtesy, opinions are merely a voice in the wind.  Maybe children haven’t been raised properly.  Perhaps, parents have become hypocrites, setting a bad example for those still growing up.  Despite this, Americans should not forgot Dr. King’s “I have a dream speech.”  For if this message is rejected, this country will regress, returning to a nation that is once again color blind.

by Jay Mankus

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When Timing Really is Everything

Posted on July 15, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the hours following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, Major League Baseball and the National Football League felt it was inappropriate to play games while bodies were being pulled from beneath remnants of the World Trade Center.  Subsequently, baseball commissioner Bud Selig cancelled all games for the rest of the week.  Meanwhile, Paul Tagliabue postponed a weekend slate of NFL games, citing regrets of playing two days after president John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

While civil unrest is apparent, citizens unhappy with how some Americans were killed and treated by law enforcement, perhaps now is a good time for a season of trueths.  If timing really is everything, what good will further protests do in the wake of the deadliest day for police officers since 9/11.  Where is common sense, decency or social etiquette to let people mourn and remember those whose life have been snuffed out?  If individuals don’t learn from history, America will not escape the same fate fallen civilizations have endured.

There is time to kill and a time to heal.  A time to tear down and a time to build up.  A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, Ecclesiastes 3:3-4.

Regardless of your stance on racial relations, there should be one common bond that unites, that we are one nation under God.  The political correct crowd can not deny the founding of religious principles established by our forefathers.  Thus, everyone must make an important decision: are you going to be part of the problem or a piece to the solution?  Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes are profound.  Yet, if these words are ignored, I’m afraid healing will never arrive.  In the future, don’t let your emotions get the best of you.  Rather, ask God to help you see what you can do to make America great again!

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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