THE DEATH OF DECENCY

THE DEATH OF DECENCY!

1 Cor 14:40

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Tim 2:9-10

9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Decency, according to the Oxford Dictionary is “behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability.” The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia has this to say: DECENTLY  “(de'-sent-li) (‎euschemonos‎): Only once is this word found in our English Bible (1 Cor 14:40). It is in the last verse of that remarkable chapter on the proper use of spiritual gifts in the church and the proper conduct of public worship. It does not refer here to absence of impurity or obscenity. It rather refers to good order in the conduct of public worship. All things that are done and said in public worship are to be in harmony with that becoming and reverent spirit and tone that befit the true worshippers of God.”

The word modest also appears only once and is translated from the Greek kosmios which basically means orderly or decorous The companion word shamefacedness is from the Greek aidos which refers to “downcast eyes” or bashfulness. Our current culture is indiscreet and unashamed. Paul warned that it would be this way in Second Timothy chapter three.

It is interesting to me that the Bible either cannot or simply does not address the indecency of our times. It is clear, however, that everywhere in scripture propriety is encouraged. The prodigal son engaged in “riotous” living which culminated in slopping hogs. The word riotous is a Greek word indicating a lack of restraint. Spurgeon said “The usual tenor of a man's life, the dwelling of his soul, is the true test of his state.”

Dear Lord, let your Holy Spirit both cleanse and restrain the indecency in me and my culture. Let right thinking and right actions reign again. AMEN