Unmentionables

I heard a word the other day I hadn't heard in awhile.  When is the last time you heard someone refer to underwear as ‘unmentionables?’ If you did, it was probably said as a joke. But you know it hasn’t been that long since undergarments were considered to be ‘unmentionable.’ Of course the larger meaning of the word is anything that is inappropriate or improper to mention in polite conversation. But is there a common definition of “polite conversation?” When did TV advertisers start showing models of women’s (or men’s) underwear? It gets worse. Many formerly unmentionable subjects are common with advertisers pushing the limits of decency. And not only that, but what used to be called “foul” language is no longer. Even some pastors think it's OK to use crude language in the pulpit.  Is everyone pushing the limits?

How do we as Christians navigate our way through this crazy culture? Where do we draw the lines? Does the Bible have anything to say about what is and what is not ‘unmentionable?’ Yes, it does.

“Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them…and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Eph. 4:29; 5:4). We can only wonder what David’s culture was like when he says “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD.” (Ps. 19:14)