Our culture demands political correctness, especially in an election year. This is a philosophy defined as “avoidance of expressions or actions perceived to exclude, marginalize or insult anyone socially disadvantaged or who suffers discrimination.”
What an incredibly open-ended statement! No matter where we stand on the conservative- to-liberal continuum, we all know someone who could fall into one of these so-called “inclusive” categories. However, the demands of this philosophy are so vague and broad, trying to fulfill them is impossible, and we become paralyzed by fear of offending; afraid to offer an opinion on anything.
The politically correctness philosophy impacts our lives even if we reject its claims. One of the first generations to fully embrace it now occupies places of authority: in our homes, schools, universities, banks, hospitals, businesses, churches and government. PC thinkers deeply influence politics; primary and secondary education; the drug, medical and judicial systems; the food and fashion industries; television and video production; the meaning of words and the legal definition of constitutional rights and freedom, just to name a few.
This way of thinking has gradually crept into the Body of Christ, much like sin slithered into Eden. The Bible has always emphasized love for people in Christ, without trivializing the awfulness of our sin. PC thought trivializes anyone who disagrees with it, while emphasizing the “right” to the sins of rebellion and selfishness. To stand against the invasion of this destructive, paralyzing poison, we who claim the Name of Jesus must make changes in our own thinking.
American society is deeply enmeshed in the emotion of politically correct thinking. In contrast, believers must be spiritually mature; recognizing that our feelings are not to be our primary concern. It’s unreasonable to demand that others tip-toe around our subjective feelings to prevent us from feeling hurt. It’s a fact of life: people hurt our feelings, and there will always be opportunity for offense. The offenders likely won’t stop to dry our tears or bandage hurt feelings, and truly, they shouldn’t have to. Learning to accept criticism, differing viewpoints, and even direct insults produces a much healthier, more productive life than routinely playing the victim card. I’m not referring to legitimate abuse, which must be dealt with quickly and sternly. I’m referring to the offenses Christians and non-believers carry because they don’t agree. Believers need to take the lead in the acceptance of people, without accepting sin as justifiable and tolerable.
Demanding that others take responsibility for how we feel produces destruction: debt, suicide, riots, divorce, murder, rape, pouting, gossip and entitlement, both inside the church and out. Paul warned believers, “ You do not be conformed to this age, instead you be transformed by renewing your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 (HCSB). No one else can do it for us.
Politically correct thought and speech is actually opposed to Biblical truth on every level, though it’s often not obvious. It often insists if anything is said that offends, or if there is disagreement, it naturally indicates hatred. Believers must express truth-speaking through Christ; based on love, not hate.
“For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, and will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off intomythsandman-madefictions.” 2Timothy
When political correctness replaces Biblical thinking, brokenness is always the result. Bibli- cal Guidance ministry restores confi dence in the unchangeable Truth of God’s Word, and its practical every day application. Your donation to this ministry underwrites the cost for those in crisis who currently cannot pay. For your convenience, monthly auto-debit is available. Call 580-7742884 for more information.
media use, says Tom Cooper, PhD, author of How to Clear Your Mind and Invigorate Your Life in an Age of Media Overload. “Your family will become closer, you’ll save time, sleep better, feel healthier, and probably even lose weight.”
If technology is adversely affecting communication in your family, a media journal is a good place to begin reducing screen time. Dieters track food consumption to know what and where to cut back. Beginning a family media diet by tracking usage can be quite an eye-opener. We’re often unaware how much time we spend on the internet, TV, and texting. Keeping a record of when a device being used and for how long, will give each one a better idea of how time is being spent. After logging for five days, decide as a family how you can spend more time engaging without screens.
Call 580-774-2884 to learn how to reduce technology-time, giving you more time to enjoy God and people.
