LCG: Christians Are Politically Incorrect

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In today’s commentary, LCG’s Sheldon Monson wrote:

Politically correct?

By Sheldon Monson | Thursday, July 08, 2010

When you look around, do you feel like you’re out of step with the rest of the world? Do you wonder why you seem to be among the few that still stand by your values and principles?

Most people don’t enjoy conflict. As Christians we pray for peace. We want to get along with everyone. We realize that others have different views and opinions than we do, but we do not hate them for it. Conversely, people seem to despise us for the beliefs we hold dear. Do you wonder why the values we embrace make us “politically incorrect?”

As Christians, we don’t want to cause problems. We certainly don’t want to offend anyone, but we believe that there is a difference between right and wrong. Every day we are faced with a choice: do we stand quietly by and say nothing? Or do we cling to our principles and stand up, and speak out?

When we read the scriptures, it becomes clear which approach we should take. We find numerous examples to light our path. We see many examples of men and women embracing the truth, standing by their beliefs, and holding fast to their principles and values. We find Christians who know what they believe. We see men and women of conviction and faith. We read the accounts of those brave souls who possessed the courage to make tough decisions; to swim against the current.

The core values they internalized and the strength of their convictions allowed many of these heroes and heroines to face persecution, and even death, with unwavering resolve. There are the examples of Joshua and Caleb, Esther, Daniel, David, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego, and many others. When we studying the scriptures, it becomes clear which choice we must make. It is the choice to stand up, to speak out, to go against the grain and let our voice be heard. We must not hide. We must not compromise with what we believe to be right, no matter what consequences follow. For if we deny Christ, He will deny us.

True Christians must “take the path less traveled.” If we find ourselves on the “outside,” if we find ourselves to be “politically incorrect,” then we are in good company, for this is where Christ found himself. He never sinned. He loved His enemies and prayed for them. He brought a message of peace and hope to the world. But in the end, He was crucified for what He believed and taught.

History is replete with the examples of the prophets, apostles, and other disciples of Christ who suffered persecution, torture, and who were put to death for standing up and speaking out for the things they believed. Christians will follow the example Christ set, and, if they are truly “Christians,” their voices will be heard. Their voices must be heard! The world will be a better place because of it.

If we believe that the Word of God is our guide, that it is the final authority defining what is right and what is wrong, and that we must live our lives according to it, we will not be popular. We will come under attack by those who would like to reshape what we are and what we believe. The “politically correct” will attempt to change us into their image, and will be relentless in their pursuit of this goal. They will label what we say as hateful and dangerous. When they do, we must not cave.

We must steadfastly resist the urge to conform and go with the flow, even though it is the easy thing to do; the popular thing to do. We must resolve to do what we know is right as defined by God’s Word. It is not enough to stand quietly by. If we do not have the courage to speak up, who else will? We are the defenders of the truth!

(For the rest of the commentary, please go to http://www.lcg.org/cgi-bin/tw/commentary/tw-comm.cgi?category=Commentary1&item=1278524818)

Of course, since I also try to follow the Bible and write the truth, you will often find that the COGwriter website is “politically incorrect”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.
Lies Where did they originate? What was really the first lie? What happens for lies?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.