2009-07-14 - Political Correctness

False Gods/Idols Series ~ Part 1

Luke 4:8 (NIV) Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”

For some of us, “political correctness” is an idol that we worship. I think that "political correctness" sometimes starts out with a well-meaning heart, in an attempt to be open-minded - but then it runs amuck. We who live in the United States may experience this more than other countries, but I think it’s probably spread its poison throughout the West. "Political correctness" is too often the “be all and end all” for committees, churches and even denominations. Our family once were members at a church where we were strongly discouraged from using the terms B.C or A.D. because Christ might offend someone – and sadly, we were supposed to do this even when we were at church. But didn’t Christ teach us that He would offend people, and that we shouldn’t deny Him? Of course, we should be respectful of those who believe differently, but this never means denying our Lord (Just ask Peter).

And even though God’s word clearly reminds us that “Man looks on appearance, but God looks on the heart,” we too often choose people – as friends, employees, for political office – not because of their hearts or their values, which may or may not line up with God’s word – but overridingly because of their race or ethnic background. A quick look at the news will sadly illustrate this. I have often thought that the only way we could ever truly live in a color-blind world be if we all are literally blind. If we couldn’t see someone’s skin, we couldn’t use it as skin criteria for anything.

God’s word clearly teaches that a sexual relationship should be reserved solely for married couples, but "political correctness" pronounces as judgmental, those who would put any limits on sexual mores. As a Christian, which way should we turn?

This is by no means exhuastive; I could write for months about this. But you get the gist.When does "political correctness" become an idol and not just an opinion? When it supersedes the Bible as a plumbline. Bottom line: Each one of us must make our own choices, and hopefully not based on what Hollywood nor a political pundit has "taught" us (Have you ever wondered why these folks assume they have all the answers?) Johsua 24:15 (NIV) says it well: But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Jan

 cfdevcfpray@yahoo.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org