Jesus Isn't "Politically Correct"

"Today's Devotion" For May 24, 2005

Read: Matthew 15:12-14; Romans 2:17-24

JESUS ISN'T "POLITICALLY CORRECT"

"Then the disciples came to Him and asked, 'Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?'" (Mt. 15:12)

One of the more interesting dichotomies in American society revolves around the whole issue of causing offense and its related issue, "Political Correctness." Over a number of years, for instance, there's been a debate at Marquette University about the name of the team mascot. About ten or twelve years ago, the former president of the University declared the name "Warriors" to be offensive to Native Americans and would have to go. The new name, Golden Eagles, while not offensive to Native Americans, offended Marquette supporters and alumni. The argument went that "Warriors" didn't have to be related to a Native American caricature and thus would not be offensive. It's still an issue that is causing offense, dissension, and anger as a new attempt to find an "acceptable" name is launched.

The whole issue of causing offense raging around the name "Warriors," versus some other team name at Marquette, isn't a singular issue. For over a decade, the nation has been embroiled in an attitude of "political correctness," as people are being told that they should never do or say anything that might offend someone. It even has gotten to the point that telling the truth has to be modified in order to avoid offending those who are in the wrong, unless, it seems they're not a favored grouping of people. It's a strange, dichotomous mess. The same people, who purportedly find such names as "Warriors" offensive against Native Americans, are the same people who will defend the vulgarities of someone like radio "shock jock" Howard Stern or the inflammatory and frequently inaccurate ravings of a Michael Moore or a Dan Rather. Often it seems that the media, the "Hollywood elite," the "political brain-trust, and the intelligentsia of the nation are, on the other hand, only too willing to suspend "political correctness" when it comes to offending those who claim a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Do Christians cause offense? Certainly we do. Just like every other human being we're often insensitive to the feelings of others. We get angry and say things better left unsaid. We're not immune, by any stretch of the imagination, to making fun of the misfortunes, appearances, or behavior of others. We Christians can be intolerant of others' sins, taking offense before looking to forgive. At the same time we seek the tolerance of others for our sins and misbehavior. It's not too difficult to see that we're just as caught up in the dichotomies of causing offense and political correctness as the rest of the world around us. Yet we are called out of the world by Jesus to be His witnesses in the world. Accordingly, our lives are a walking contradiction according to the world's view. As redeemed sinnser, Jesus commands us to teach the world everything He has commanded us. To do so obediently and faithfully we find that it's impossible to not cause offense to others. Sharing the Gospel doesn't win points for "political correctness" in a world that decries God's will and purpose for His Creation. While causing offense isn't something Christians seek to do in their lives, it's nevertheless inevitable if we live a life of faith and witness to Jesus Christ. Yet, we're in good company.

Jesus understood this reality. Some have called Him the world's most famous "radical." He wasn't "politically correct," nor did He teach His disciples to be so. His life reflects love and compassion for sinners while at the same time declaring His anger and hatred of Sin. He understood that He would suffer for teaching God's truth and living for people. He knew that He would inevitably die on the Cross, an innocent Man, the Son of God, yet guilty for all humanity as He bore the sins of the world on His own head. According to Matthew's Gospel (our reading for today), when the disciples came to Jesus about their fear that He had offended the Pharisees, Jesus' response wasn't one of empathy or repentance. He had only spoken the truth about their behavior and lack of faith. The fact that they felt Jesus had offended them should have been a clue that they needed to work on their behavior. What's more, if what Jesus said offended them, perhaps it was more important to get past the offense and deal with their need for repentance and faith. I know it may sound odd, but it seems to me that being offended by Jesus ought to be a wakeup call to anyone so offended that they are in desperate need of His love and forgiveness. It's most certain we're in need of that love and forgiveness everyday; so is everyone else. Jesus just isn't "politically correct," and, as He Himself encourages us, "blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."(Mt.11:6)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there's no doubt that the issue of causing offense to others, couched in terms of "political correctness," is often a barrier to my sharing Your love, grace, and mercy with others. I'm as susceptible to the angst caused by the accusation that I've offended someone by telling the truth and that I'm not "politically correct" in my beliefs, as were the Twelve who walked with You. To take offense at You or to try to make You "politically correct" is to run away from Your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. While I'd like to say that I'm not offended by You, too often I find myself trying to be "politically correct" in my living for You and my sharing of You with others. Forgive me for such cowardice on my part and give me a bold and fearless faith to share You with others no matter what the world might think about it. Let me live a life that clearly states that I am Your redeemed child. Let my words and actions declare Your glory and sing Your praises. I praise You, O Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.