When I was growing up in Michigan, fireworks were illegal. We could use sparklers, small firecrackers, and smoke bombs… but nothing amazing, nothing cool, nothing dramatic.
So late on July 4, we would really enjoy the firework display. The limitation on other types of fireworks made the colored lights in the sky seem like magic. When we said, “Ohhh, Ahhhh” we meant it.
But now things are different. I can buy rockets that shoot into the sky and explode with bright ear-shattering light. We can drive around Kechi and applaud and whistle at the display of celebratory explosions taking place right in front of us.
And so, somehow, even though the “big” fireworks have improved over the years, they seem to be less and less impressive.
Constant easy exposure has caused the wonderful to become commonplace. We have become deadened to the emotional impact.
Sin sneaks into our lives like that, too. Our consciences become deadened to the attitudes and actions that used to shock us. Constant exposure to inappropriate language, disrespect, selfishness, and doubt has made those things seem ordinary.
In 1939, “Gone with the Wind” became the first movie to use bad language. Now most Americans won’t SEE a movie with less than a PG-13 rating.
Fifty years ago, students would never have considered talking back to a teacher. Now it’s not only the students, but the parents who often show disrespect.
In the Great Depression, showing kindness was seen as an admirable activity. Now the media presents it as a weakness.
We have gotten used to it. And it has grown.
What’s the solution? We need to move backwards. As Christians, we need to be less “used to” unrighteousness. We need to stop ignoring our own behavior.
We need to live the way we should… not the way we are used to.