Desensitized

[Starise]

9 hours ago, missmuffet said:

Then you are looking at compromise which can be very dangerous in the Christian world 

And what you may think is compromise might not really be compromise. If we go so far as to say  compromise is a form of desensitization, then who gets to decide what that is? 

What one man thinks is compromise might not really be compromise. This thinking points the finger at the other person. The bible tells us this is not a wholesome way to look at it.

I have found that often people who like to set standards and make rules for others based on what they think the bible says fail to look at the things they are doing which are often just as bad, if not worse than what they see in others.

If we think a person is desensitized. Why are we making that accusation? We think they have compromised in some area. 

What do you see as a form of desensitization? 

 

[David1701]

40 minutes ago, Starise said:

And what you may think is compromise might not really be compromise. If we go so far as to say  compromise is a form of desensitization, then who gets to decide what that is? 

What one man thinks is compromise might not really be compromise. This thinking points the finger at the other person. The bible tells us this is not a wholesome way to look at it.

I have found that often people who like to set standards and make rules for others based on what they think the bible says fail to look at the things they are doing which are often just as bad, if not worse than what they see in others.

If we think a person is desensitized. Why are we making that accusation? We think they have compromised in some area. 

What do you see as a form of desensitization? 

 

I've had a pray/think about this and have come to the conclusion that the most important aspects of desensitisation are not specific examples, but how it occurs, how to detect it and how to get re-sensitised. 

It occurs by repeated exposure to whatever the sin happens to be, particularly willing exposure.

We can be re-sensitised by looking away from sin and worldliness, to the Lord himself, and by thinking about godly, noble, praiseworthy things.

I remember speaking with a Bible College student, many years ago.  He had become desensitised to some worldly, pseudo-Christian music.  We spoke about it, briefly, but he was adamant that there was nothing wrong with it (one of the signs of desensitisation - no longer being much bothered by ungodliness, or even denying that it is ungodly), so I prayed silently for wisdom.

The Lord led me to suggest that he listen to some worship music, then, immediately afterwards, to listen to this band that he liked.  He tried it, and came back, saying that, to his surprise, listening to the band, immediately after something definitely godly, had opened his eyes to see the nature of the music the band (I'm deliberately not naming it) produced and that he was going to stop listening to it.

1 Cor. 15:33 (WEB) Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”

Psalm 101:1-7 (WEB)

1  I will sing of loving kindness and justice.
To you, LORD, I will sing praises.

  2 I will be careful to live a blameless life.
When will you come to me?
I will walk within my house with a blameless heart.

  3 I will set no vile thing before my eyes.
I hate the deeds of faithless men.
They will not cling to me.

  4 A perverse heart will be far from me.
I will have nothing to do with evil.

  5 I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbour.
I won’t tolerate one who is haughty and conceited.

  6 My eyes will be on the faithful of the land,
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in a perfect way,
he will serve me.

  7 He who practices deceit won’t dwell within my house.
He who speaks falsehood won’t be established before my eyes.

Heb. 12:2 (KJV)  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Phil. 4:8 (WEB) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

 

Edited August 29, 2022 by David1701

[com7fy8]

20 hours ago, missmuffet said:

Why has the Christian today become desensitized? What has the Christian become desensitized to?

In a church, a leader or well-known member might do something wrong, and so it becomes accepted. Ones can be afraid that saying something could cause division, but then the wrong idea or behavior or attitude becomes part of the church's new-normal unity.

For one example, flirting and inappropriate kidding can affect how the church shares, after service. It could desensitize people to be more and more superficial and like a social club during fellowship time.

And too much social cause action can get people to acting like it depends on them to change this world . . . so they are desensitized from doing what our Apostle Paul says to do "first of all" > 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

So, it is possible to be desensitized to go along with what is wrong; but also we can get desensitized so we do not do what we need to be doing.

Edited August 29, 2022 by com7fy8

[Alive]

1 hour ago, David1701 said:

I've had a pray/think about this and have come to the conclusion that the most important aspects of desensitisation are not specific examples, but how it occurs, how to detect it and how to get re-sensitised. 

It occurs by repeated exposure to whatever the sin happens to be, particularly willing exposure.

We can be re-sensitised by looking away from sin and worldliness, to the Lord himself, and by thinking about godly, noble, praiseworthy things.

I remember speaking with a Bible College student, many years ago.  He had become desensitised to some worldly, pseudo-Christian music.  We spoke about it, briefly, but he was adamant that there was nothing wrong with it (one of the signs of desensitisation - no longer being much bothered by ungodliness, or even denying that it is ungodly), so I prayed silently for wisdom.

The Lord led me to suggest that he listen to some worship music, then, immediately afterwards, to listen to this band that he liked.  He tried it, and came back, saying that, to his surprise, listening to the band, immediately after something definitely godly, had opened his eyes to see the nature of the music the band (I'm deliberately not naming it) produced and that he was going to stop listening to it.

1 Cor. 15:33 (WEB) Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”

Psalm 101:1-7 (WEB)

1  I will sing of loving kindness and justice.
To you, LORD, I will sing praises.

  2 I will be careful to live a blameless life.
When will you come to me?
I will walk within my house with a blameless heart.

  3 I will set no vile thing before my eyes.
I hate the deeds of faithless men.
They will not cling to me.

  4 A perverse heart will be far from me.
I will have nothing to do with evil.

  5 I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbour.
I won’t tolerate one who is haughty and conceited.

  6 My eyes will be on the faithful of the land,
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in a perfect way,
he will serve me.

  7 He who practices deceit won’t dwell within my house.
He who speaks falsehood won’t be established before my eyes.

Heb. 12:2 (KJV)  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Phil. 4:8 (WEB) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

 

A perhaps different angle of this subject. I found in my own experience that when I justified being in a position where I was yielding to the flesh, that the Lord allowed it for a time--but when I began to and was willing to 'see' my error after discipline; the Lord began to work a 'Godly Sorrow' in me that was some painful. The result was a renewed discernment and understanding of the kinds of fleshy pitfalls are available.

[Starise]

28 minutes ago, David1701 said:

I've had a pray/think about this and have come to the conclusion that the most important aspects of desensitisation are not specific examples, but how it occurs, how to detect it and how to get re-sensitised. 

It occurs by repeated exposure to whatever the sin happens to be, particularly willing exposure.

We can be re-sensitised by looking away from sin and worldliness, to the Lord himself, and by thinking about godly, noble, praiseworthy things.

I remember speaking with a Bible College student, many years ago.  He has become desensitised to some worldly, pseudo-Christian music.  We spoke about it, briefly, but he was adamant that there was nothing wrong with it (one of the signs of desensitisation - no longer being much bothered by ungodliness, or even denying that it is ungodly), so I prayed silently for wisdom.

The Lord led me to suggest that he listen to some worship music, then, immediately afterwards, to listen to this band that he liked.  He tried it, and came back, saying that, to his surprise, listening to the band, immediately after something definitely godly, had opened his eyes to see the nature of the music the band (I'm deliberately not naming it) produced and that he was going to stop listening to it.

1 Cor. 15:33 (WEB) Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”

Psalm 101:1-7 (WEB)

1  I will sing of loving kindness and justice.
To you, LORD, I will sing praises.

  2 I will be careful to live a blameless life.
When will you come to me?
I will walk within my house with a blameless heart.

  3 I will set no vile thing before my eyes.
I hate the deeds of faithless men.
They will not cling to me.

  4 A perverse heart will be far from me.
I will have nothing to do with evil.

  5 I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbour.
I won’t tolerate one who is haughty and conceited.

  6 My eyes will be on the faithful of the land,
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in a perfect way,
he will serve me.

  7 He who practices deceit won’t dwell within my house.
He who speaks falsehood won’t be established before my eyes.

Heb. 12:2 (KJV)  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Phil. 4:8 (WEB) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

 

 I am picking up that possibly you are or were in such a position to advise others. In that respect I imagine the responsibility might weigh more heavily on you than it would for a person who only looks after themselves, not that this trivializes it regardless.

In looking at this subject, I seen an invisible line between persons who might be professing believers, but in actuality are not really believers. That sort of person could go on sinning and never give it a second thought. On the other side of that line I've seen believers who, as you seem to infer, are intent on looking more at the limits for what is considered to be allowable than they are looking at way to remain pure from the world. In other words I can hear them say, " Just how much can I get away with in the world and still be solid believer"? "How much can I compromise?" Often in some of these things, it fully looks as if someone is trying to take something fun away from us, and I think many young Christians are still feeling some of these things out for themselves.

In your example, maybe this person liked the music and since it was called "Christian" music they couldn't understand why it was bad. Could it have been the style, or the words? Or maybe it was the lack of anything substantially spiritual instead. I don't think everyone is at the same place and sometimes too much of " I can't do this or that either." Might only serve to push them further away. Do we show them or does God show them? Or does God use us to show them? That last one is a tall order and I would not attempt it unless I knew God was leading me to directly do it. There are times when I think it becomes necessary though.

It seems clear to me the world likes to attach the word "Christian" to lots of things that really aren't Christian. Christians also sometimes attempt to massage the flesh while maintaining their Christianity. I believe it is primarily the Lord who convicts us of sin. Not that He doesn't use others at times. The Holy Spirit indwelling a man is a powerful force for good.

Compromise to weaken believers seems to be one of Satan's main tools.

Take one example- Movies and entertainment. A man is watching a movie that he knows will contain some profanity and brief nudity. He might justify it by thinking he isn't watching the movie to see those parts of it, yet it "hooks" his flesh into wanting to see more. This is what happens. The door is cracked and then the flesh wants to open the door entirely. He might watch one such movie and then think it wasn't too terribly bad, so why not watch another one only this time the movie is basically soft porn.

Or a man goes into a bar after work to have a beer with his co workers, just one beer he thinks and then he is going home. Meeting at the bar becomes a regular thing and eventually that one beer turns into four beers. Then one night a woman named Trish walks in and she takes an interest in him. Inhibitions are low because of the alcohol. he man reason to himself, that there is nothing wrong with them "hanging out" together at the bar even though he has a wife at home. The next thing you know real trouble is brewing. One beer turned into a failed marriage and alcoholism. One movie turned into an addiction to porn or the acceptance of bad behaviors. 

 

 

 

[debrakay]

3 hours ago, David1701 said:

Phil. 4:8 (WEB) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

 

This scripture caught my attention in this thread.  We live in a fallen world where it is hard to close off the temptations and sins that abound in it.  We would have to enclose ourselves in a bubble not letting anyone or anything worldly into our day to day lives and what good would that do for those who are lost and need to find their Savior Christ Jesus?  We are told to persevere and we are told we only have this one day set before us.  Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not guaranteed.  Daily we pick up our cross and walk with it.  Though it is a heavy load for us as humans to bear, Christ says to lay it on his shoulders which makes it easier for us to carry.  We still have to carry the burdens and evilness of the day but he guides us and gives us the strength to endure and persevere so that we can do it again tomorrow for whatever purpose he has for us.  

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. ~ Philippians 1:21-24

[missmuffet]

4 hours ago, Starise said:

And what you may think is compromise might not really be compromise. If we go so far as to say  compromise is a form of desensitization, then who gets to decide what that is? 

What one man thinks is compromise might not really be compromise. This thinking points the finger at the other person. The bible tells us this is not a wholesome way to look at it.

I have found that often people who like to set standards and make rules for others based on what they think the bible says fail to look at the things they are doing which are often just as bad, if not worse than what they see in others.

If we think a person is desensitized. Why are we making that accusation? We think they have compromised in some area. 

What do you see as a form of desensitization? 

 

What does the Bible say about compromise?

https://www.gotquestions.org

ANSWER

To compromise is to make concessions or accommodations for someone who does not agree with a certain set of standards or rules. There are times when compromise is good and right—compromise is a basic skill needed in marriage, for example, and in other situations in which keeping the peace is more desirable than getting one’s own way. Daniel and his three friends essentially worked out a compromise with the Babylonian official concerning their diet (Daniel 1:8–14).

In certain other matters, compromise is not good. The Bible makes it clear that God does not condone compromising His commands: “Be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left” (Deuteronomy 5:32). Joyful are those who “do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths” (Psalm 119:3, NLT). God is holy, and His ways are right. God is good, and His ways are lifegiving. Concerning matters that God has clearly addressed, we do not negotiate, bargain, or compromise.

King Jehoshaphat foolishly entered a compromising situation with the wicked King Ahab, and it almost cost him his life (2 Chronicles 18). Jesus rebuked the church of Thyatira for their theological and moral compromise: “I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:20). There are certain lines that should not be crossed, and there are times when compromise becomes evil.

As we go through this world, we will hear many calls to compromise. The “fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25), “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (Colossians 2:8), and “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16) all tempt us to compromise in areas we should not. Usually, the temptation to compromise is heightened by some type of fear, such as the fear of being rejected or criticized.

What makes compromise so dangerous is the subtle way it approaches us. Compromise, by definition, doesn’t involve a wholesale capitulation to worldly ways or ideals; rather, it accommodates them. Most of us would recoil at the thought of tossing Jesus aside and embracing an idol, but compromise never asks us to do that. Compromise says that we can have the idol and keep Jesus, too. There’s room on the shelf for one more object of worship, right? And what’s the harm, since we still have Jesus?

It is vital to know when compromise is appropriate and when it is not. In general, we could say that we can compromise on preferences but not on principles. Based on that rule of thumb, here are some matters in which compromise might be helpful:
 

• the color of the church carpet
• the type of vehicle your family should drive
• where to host the corporate luncheon
• when to schedule a trip to the library

But there should be no compromise over values and the standards that stem from those values. Here are some examples of things about which we should not compromise:
 

• the essentials of the Christian faith, including the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3–6) and the faithful preaching of the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)
• the lordship and authority of Christ (Luke 16:13)
• your personal convictions (Romans 14:5)
• moral issues, as defined in Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:18)

We must be careful to live out our biblical beliefs. It is pointless to know and speak up for truth if we do not also act on that truth in the way we live our lives (John 15:1–11; James 2:14–17, 26). Not compromising includes not being hypocritical. When our intention is to actively pursue a deeper relationship with God and obey Him in all things, we are less likely to compromise. We will more readily recognize the things that seek to draw us away from God. We will more readily recognize His voice and trust Him (see John 10:4).

Resisting compromise is not up to our own strength or efforts. Rather, God has equipped us (2 Peter 1:3), and He is with us. Philippians 2:12–13 encourages, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” God’s Word and His presence nourish our souls (Psalm 1:1–3; 119:9–16; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21). Other believers encourage us and walk alongside us, and we do the same for them (Hebrews 10:24–25; Galatians 6:1–5). When we are focused on God and living in active relationship with Him and His people, we come to understand the magnitude of His holiness, the crushing nature of our sin, and the depth of His grace. We see His goodness and that true life is in Him (Psalm 34:8; John 10:10). We long to follow Him in all our ways and to share the good news of salvation with others. The better we know God, the better we can resist the temptation to compromise what’s important.

Edited August 29, 2022 by missmuffet

[missmuffet]

There is another problem today with desensitization. It is not a Christian issue necessarily:

The roads here where I live are becoming dangerous if you are not a very safe and defensive driver. 

People are cutting you off with their car so close that it seems like they are daring you to hit them. No one honks at anyone but seems to accept it.
Many people are going through red lights and not stopping at stop signs. It is becoming the way a person drives today. No one notices that it is against the law. That is desensitization. 

[AnOrangeCat]

On 8/28/2022 at 1:17 PM, missmuffet said:

Why has the Christian today become desensitized? What has the Christian become desensitized to?

I really feel this one. The Bible mentions that the love of many will wax cold. I've really felt that one in interacting with local churches in the past. To an extent I've felt it myself. I was approached by someone over the internet claiming to be suicidal and in need of material assistance last night. Complete stranger. I was down to pocket change so I couldn't help, but every time I come across that sort of scenario I find myself wondering how legit they are and what God wants me to do in that kind of situation.

[missmuffet]

3 hours ago, AnOrangeCat said:

I really feel this one. The Bible mentions that the love of many will wax cold. I've really felt that one in interacting with local churches in the past. To an extent I've felt it myself. I was approached by someone over the internet claiming to be suicidal and in need of material assistance last night. Complete stranger. I was down to pocket change so I couldn't help, but every time I come across that sort of scenario I find myself wondering how legit they are and what God wants me to do in that kind of situation.

Over the internet? It sounds very suspicious. I would not have given. There are hot lines that they can call for those kind of issues. You can not let them manipulate you.