For Shame (by Jim Faughn)

[NOTE: The following article first appeared in the February 18, 2007, edition of The Central Message from Paducah, Kentucky. My dad, Jim Faughn, is the author. I used it for my column in our local newsletter this week, and wanted to share it on here. It is used with his premission. Thanks, dad, for another great article!]

Many of us are familiar with the discussions we have from time to time about the little word “for.” Some of our religious friends try to convince us that “for” in Acts 2:38 means “because of” and that we are baptized because we are already saved. We often reply (correctly) that “for” can mean “in order to,” and encourage them to read and apply Matthew 26:28 in which the word “for” as well as the original Greek word is found. It is very clear in that passage that Jesus’ blood was not shed because sins were forgiven, but in order that this might be the case.

Lost in this discussion is the fact that “for” can have another meaning. When somebody says that he or she is for a particular athletic team, politician, proposal, etc., he or she is speaking the language of support and allegiance. It is in that sense of the use of the word “for” that I am for shame.

I’m old enough to remember when there was such a thing as shame. Sometimes, back in those days, somebody would do something that was considered to be unacceptable behavior and they would be told, “You should be ashamed of yourself for…” Some shorter versions of that were, “Shame on you” or “For shame.”

As I write these words a young celebrity has died mysteriously. (I suppose that “celebrity” is an appropriate word for her. She was among what seems to be a growing number of people in our society who are not famous for any particular accomplishment. They are just famous for being famous.)

Now, as you know if you’ve seen any news at all, the fight is on. At the time of this writing, three different men are claiming to be the father of her young baby. Who knows what the number will be when you read this article?! Of course, none of them is her widower. In fact, one is married to another “celebrity.” Instead of slinking off into some corner because of disgrace, they and their lawyers are boldly and proudly proclaiming some of the details about their “relationships” with her.

Whatever happened to the day when people who lived like this were not celebrities and their lifestyles were not accepted as normal? Whatever happened to such things as decency, honesty, purity and modesty?

Whatever happened to shame?

Before we get the idea that shame (or a lack thereof) is no big deal, maybe we need to read Jeremiah 6:15. After reading that verse, I hope you will join me in being for shame.

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?
No! They were not ashamed;
Nor did they know how to blush.
Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;
At the time I punish them,
They shall be cast down, says
the Lord (emphasis added).