Friday, April 17, 2009

Political incorrectness

Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 18 The stone rejected by the builders as become the cornerstone; John 21:1-14

We have been following Peter all week in the book of Acts of the Apostles.  He was going up to the temple area with John to pray at the the three Clock hour.  On the way they encountered a cripple and by the power of God in the name of Jesus the cripple was healed through the intercession of Peter. 

This healing, which was a good thing, got them in some hot water. 

Peter and John were being ruffed up by the chief priests, temple guards, and Sadducees because they were teaching in the name of Jesus and proclaiming the resurrection. 

In fact they were held in custody over night.  

The next day they were questioned:
"By what power or by what name have you done this?"  Then Peter filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them, "...it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands healed...there is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are saved."

So much for Political correctness.  

Peter moved by the Holy Spirit did not apologize for his faith in Jesus.  He did not back down seeking to make other people comfortable or to minimize the offense.  He was bold and daring.  He stood his ground, held firm to his faith, and proclaimed the truth. 

The disease of political correctness has ruined our society.  It has weaken our faith.  It has destroyed our families.  It has led to more doubt and uncertainty.  The truth needs to be proclaimed in season and out of season.  We should do so in charity but also firmness.  

If we make a stand then the conviction alone would become a witness for all.
When we water down our faith then the faith itself begins to sink beneath the water of uncertainty.
 
May we follow Peter's example and  let us with charity be politically incorrect so that society might have some political rest.   Peter refused to be censored and he refused to minimize the offense.  When it comes to truth, there can never be censorship only conviction.


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