America Is Boiling Frogs

David Sain

Possibly you have heard the story of how to boil a live frog. You do it gradually. If you put a frog in water that is already boding he will jump out However, if you put the frog in tepid water, he will find it comfortable and stay. Then, increase the temperature gradually. As the water gets hotter, the frog hardly notices and gets used to the hotter water until, he is boiled to death.

I am fearful that America is “boiling frogs” and we are the frogs! We are gradually becoming accustomed to some really terrible and harmful things.  Adultery. . . premarital sex. . . pornography. . . disrespect for those in authority... profanity... blasphemy... etc., are some examples. These things were evil and repulsive to generations past, but are now tolerated and hardly noticed by our desensitized culture. We are so desensitized to the glorification of evil on the electronic screen, that hardly anything is unacceptable if it is done in the name of entertainment!

If you think I am overstating the case, take a look at an average day’s fare on television. There are things commonly seen on TV which my grandfather would have quickly labeled pornographic.  And I dare you to take count of the cursing, sex between unmarried people, and the taking of God’s name in vain which are done daily in the homes of America through this captivating medium! And this is to say nothing about violence and crimes.

Disregard, for the moment, the impact that this can have on adults. What is such going to do to the thinking and values of the children who get a steady diet of it from early childhood through the teenage years?  And, if you are inclined to say that TV does not influence us, then explain the enormous amounts advertisers pay. They are sure that you are influenced by what you see and hear!

There is a “boiling of frogs” going on in theaters also. In 1939, Clark Gable shocked America with one curse word in “Gone With the Wind.”  In the 1960’s Abbott and Costello were required to change the ending to their famous “Who’s On First?” routine and replace a curse word with a euphemism. But oh how things have changed since then! The profanity in movies now is atrocious, including most with a PG-13 rating and some with a PG rating.

In a different direction, consider this: In 1969, “Midnight Cowboy” was rated X in its original release.  Now it carries a less restrictive R rating, and, as one newspaper report stated it, “might even earn a PG-13 if it should catch the ratings board in a generous mood.”  You see, what was once “X” is now “R” and will, one day soon, be “PG-13.”  The explicit sex scenes (which always involve a sinful situation), the graphic violence, and the vile language are senseless and debasing, yet more and more acceptable to a numb and jaded society.  One has to wonder how much we will accept in the name of entertainment!

What’s that I smell?  Something boiling? Boy, it’s getting hot in here!  Rrrbbit!!!!

[Editor’s Note: As Christians we need to really think about what we read, what we watch on movies, t.v., internet, etc.  I fear that our hearts and minds are being polluted.  Brethren, these things will destroy us spiritually.]

Bill Nelson (Frieda’s dad); Joe & Wanda Wheeler; Ken White; Earl Dean (Don’s dad); J. B. Vincent; Christopher Cary (swine flu); Gayle Higginbotham;  Colin Chandler; Harold Lee; Bob Spurlin; the Jones family; Kyla Phillips; Martha Eckert; Major Marshall; Jesse Spillman; Adam Pilling; Scott Pierce; Jeff Warren; Corey Boothe; Robert Kelley.   Daniel Richardson (Iraq).  Pray for ourcollege students!

Scripture Reading Today: Matthew 3:1-12

Rejoice: Mason Jones was baptized last Wednesday night.  We welcome Mason into God’s family at Lay Lake!!!

Men’s Meeting: TODAY at 4:30.  All of our men are encouraged to attend!!!

Thanks: to all those who spoke and taught in my absence!  What a great group of men we have who are always ready to step up and participate.

Fellowship Meal: August 23rd immediately following our morning worship.  Plan now to invite a friend or family member and enjoy the good food and fellowship.

Grief Meeting: August 23rd following our fellowship meal will be a period of discussion and prayer.

Fifth Sunday Prayer Service: August 30th.   All of our Christian men are encouraged to read scripture/lead prayer at our evening service.