The snow is melting! The temperature in Central Illinois is in the mid-forties today, and there is much rejoicing. I was in a conversation this afternoon in which someone commented on how different 40 degrees is in February as compared to October. In October, we dread such a low a temperature and dress for winter. In February, we leave our gloves off and our coats unbuttoned and talk about how delightfully warm it is. The reason for such different reactions is not hard to find: it’s all a matter of what we’re used to.

Humans have a tendency to adjust to our environments. And that’s a good thing, at least in some respects. If we didn’t adjust to the prevailing temperatures to a certain extent, humans would not fare well in many of the places where we live happily. I’m not sure I’ll ever be happy about temps in the 20s and below, but I’m glad that I adjust enough to be comfortable with temps in the 30s.

However, we often adjust to our environment in ways that are less positive. One of my flaws as a housekeeper is that I have learned to adjust to any surroundings. I can put on my mother’s eyes and see the mess and be horrified, but I’m normally adjusted to living with a level of clutter that I probably shouldn’t tolerate.

I have also found that I have adjusted to the language around me in a way that I often wish I hadn’t. In my childhood, adolescence, and really on in to my twenties, I was rarely exposed to “bad” language (cursing, taking the Lord’s name in vain, really any kind of vulgarity). As a result, I tended to be very sensitive to hearing language of that sort, often physically flinching when I heard it. It certainly never entered my mind. As an adult working on a public university campus in the 21st century, that is no longer my environment. It’s a rare day when I am not exposed to language that would once have bothered me greatly (despite having a position where people usually try to avoid using offensive language to me). As a result, I don’t react nearly as strongly to the utterances, and I do find them occasionally entering my thoughts, even though I still don’t allow them to cross my lips.

The Bible speaks to this. Proverbs has a great deal to say about who you spend your time with, encouraging us to avoid fools, those who are bitter, and those who would tempt us sexually, among other. Paul takes a more positive approach in his letter to the Philippians: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” Philippians 4:8 (ESV).

What are you adjusted to? In my job, I can’t keep those around me from using language I don’t like, but I can surround myself with friends who focus on better things. I can listen to music and read books that lift me up rather than tearing me down. What can you do?