Saturday, July 02, 2005

Dear Anon

Well, to you out there, I have not forgotten you.
Q: To be a Christian is to be politically incorrect? What do you think?

Definition: As defined by Merriam Webster, to be politically correct is to show an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. It often involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone, especially with respect to gender, race, or ethnic background. To be politically incorrect is thus “not to be politically correct”.

Well, as Christians, God has written in His Word that we are not to be respecter of persons because He was not a respecter of person (Acts 10:34). We are to treat everyone the same – as all of us are God’s creation. We are not to offend others through our actions, words and thoughts. But with respect to the Word of God (Jesus Christ), He is a stumbling block and an offense to those who choose not to believe.

1 Peter 2: 7-8a
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone (referring to Christ) which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone," and
"a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense."

Christianity, which represents God and Jesus is definitely an offense to those who insist on Human Rights as well as those who want to be in control of their own destiny. It has been so since Jesus’s time and it will continue to be in our time. Christians have been called many names. Politically incorrect, narrow, un-informed etc. We are called to proclaim His word not to repackage His word. But Christian, count it a blessing to be called that.

Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”

To put all this into perspective, our recent disaster with the Tsunamis serves as a beautiful illustration for this. Imagine, thousands and millions of people frolicking and wonderful families having a good time at the beach. But You who happen to be on the highest tip of the island saw receding waters and a huge wave forming. In a few minutes time, you know that the waters would swallow and kill millions of people, including your family playing by the beach. With that information, would you stand on the tip and consider how best to inform all those on the beach so that they wont feel hurt? Would you plan how your approach would be so as not to offend anyone?
If not for the sake of the many lives, at least for my family - I would turn into a lunatic. I would forget about their feelings and emotions and perception. I would race down the beach, wave my arms frantically, yell and scream just to save them from the iminent killer waves. If they laugh at me and excuse my actions, I would drag them by the heels with me even if it means bruising them. Their rights, feelings, emotions will come to nought when you are aware that their eternity is at stake.
Dear anon, do you know what is the real problem?
1) The real problem is that people do not believe that their lives on earth will one day end and that there will come a time of judgment. Non Christians and even Christians do not live their lives in the light of this truth. Because if we did, we would be spending our time not worrying about being politically correct and rush to warn everyone of the impending wrath of God. We are more concern that we speak right and non-offensively.
2) The real problem is that for many, Christianity is an issue of the mind and not the heart. Christianity remains mainly as a discussion and debate, instead of a decision.
3) The real problem is that we need a greater burden and love for lost souls.

Conclusion: To be a Christian is to be politically incorrect?
Answer: The question should be,'Does it matter if we are called politically correct?’ Not at all. People can call us all the names they want. They have been doing it to our Lord, and they will continue doing to His disciples. We can’t stop them. But we must always remember to allow the gospel and the Word of God to offend, not our personality, our manner of speech, or our conduct.

I will end with this verse again,
1 Peter 2: 7-8a
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone (referring to Christ) which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone," and "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense."

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