Day 130 "Political correctness and hypocrisy are dangerous bedfellows."

Day 130 Matthew 15:1-9 Then the scribes and the Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"–'then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.'" We don't seem to hear much talk about hypocrites these days; the word has become one of those that has been taken off the list so to speak. The truth is, in today's society, it would not be considered politically correct; after all, you might offend someone by calling them a hypocrite, right? I wonder, do you think Jesus was politically correct? No one who has ever walked this earth has made a bigger sacrifice or shown more love and compassion for the people than Jesus, and, no, He was not politically correct. By the way, the only disciple who was politically correct was Judas, and we all know about him, the rest gave their lives for the Word and the gospel. We have somehow confused the words judgment and love in today's society, much like the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ time. We have become so concerned with maintaining a lifestyle that we have forgotten the commandments. Could it be that our society has been teaching men's beliefs and traditions as commandments? If so, we, too, are in a very dangerous place. You see, we know that Jesus came to set the captives free; however, that does not come without a fight, without action, or without consequence or confrontation; yet today, we seem to want to avoid all of these. If someone has gone astray, is it judgment or love if you correct them and point them in the right direction? The answer is, I believe, rather simple: if you confront them the first time in love, then it is so; if, in love, with brothers, then it is so; if, in love, with the elders, then it is so; and if you remove them from fellowship in love, then it is so; or, if in anger, then the opposite would be true. Again, look at our example in Christ and, no, He was not politically correct; yes, He approached people in love; and, yes, they killed and tortured Him, but He never apologized for loving the people enough to be completely honest with them. Political correctness is, I believe, nothing short of hypocrisy. If you are living in sin and the Word is clear on that point, then why do I look the other way? Is it fear of retribution, offense, or your wrath? If so, then I really don't love you enough to confront you in love, do I? Since when do Christians need to apologize for the Word of God that provides all we need to be redeemed and live for eternity in peace? While I'm not sure I know the answer, I do believe that we, as a group, become more complacent and passive every day, more politically correct and biblically wrong! (2 Timothy 1:3-7.) Are you confusing love and judgment? If you’re not sure, seek the Lord and look into His Word, but do not be fooled by your heart or your feelings–they are both deceitful and wicked and are never to be trusted when they go against the Word. Daily Prayer: Father, in these days we are so easily confused. Would You grant us, Lord, the clarity of mind and ability to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit that we might walk in love and not judgment, yet as those who represent You and Your kingdom well. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. "Political correctness and hypocrisy are dangerous bedfellows." Pastor Gene Burroughs