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I sometimes hesitate to respond to things that make the headlines because I’m not sure how relevant they really are, they appear to be self-evidently outrageous enough to be automatically dismissed by most thinking people, or I just don’t have anything constructive to add to the conversation. But the ideals behind “political correctness” and the hypersensitivity it sometimes engenders just won’t go away.

For instance, a university president recently offended some on his campus by wearing a sombrero at a costume party. Another university’s students shouted down a dean who was encouraging them to participate in a lecture series featuring diverse topics and viewpoints. (Depriving him and proposed guest speakers freedom of opportunity as well as speech.) Some going so far as to demand that colleges provide them with a “safe place” to go to, to shield them from ideas they deem contrary – and thus offensive – to their preconceived notions of an issue, consequently framing it as “hate speech.” Groups of students, and their sympathizers, routinely shout down and heckle speakers at public assemblies, depriving themselves of an opportunity to actually know what is being proposed rather than surmising it’s meaning and missing out on the opportunity to address an issue that may indeed need to be opposed, in a reasoned manner. But restricting the flow of facts should not be what higher education is about. The recent criticism Presidential candidate and Ohio Governor John Kasich endured because of a comment he made concerning women “leaving their kitchens” to campaign for him when he first ran for office years ago is another example of the thought-police mentality of some in our country today. People judging his statement by the standards of the present rather than the reality of that time, when most women worked at home rather than out of it. “Leaving their kitchens” being counter to the norm of the time, indicative of the enthusiasm and commitment of those who participated in his campaign by doing so. Which of course was his point.

Political correctness has persuaded many that its egregious to say or do anything that anyone might find “troubling,” unless they’re the ones doing the troubling. As a result, the give-and-take of honest communication and genuine freedom of speech is being lost; a bedrock of higher education surrendered to the complaints of vocal opponents – often in the minority – who fear exposure to new and different ideas, even as they just as often ignore the long-trusted, proven, working principles of those who’ve successfully gone before them. Certainly a balance is needed in all endeavors and practices, while being open to new ideas – or old ones restated – gives us the opportunity to effectively support or refute an idea or lifestyle we wouldn’t otherwise be able to. The free exchange of ideas – true freedom of all speech – even if its outside the norm, being guaranteed by our Constitution, encouraging us to disagree in an agreeable manner; respectfully listening to our “opponents” dialogue even when we can find no common ground to stand on. Intelligently taking an opposing stand instead of merely reacting emotionally; which is admittedly difficult to do at times, especially when the ideas being espoused are themselves biased and delivered hatefully.

This hypersensitivity to all things remotely different, and thus “offensive,” has infiltrated the church as well. Many issues being just plain silly. But one, requiring some understanding and sensitivity, was recently related by Bob Russell, a retired preacher at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, who cited statistics during a sermon to support the ideal of a two-parent home to his church members; one of which was that children of single-parent homes tend to experience more behavioral problems than children raised in homes with a father and a mother. Which predictably made a single mother in his congregation uncomfortable, defensively asking for an apology after registering her complaint. The problem being, even if her situation wasn’t of her own making, facts are facts, making her situation – and that of her children – less than ideal; which in a calmer moment – she would probably agree with 100%.

All of which prompted Mr. Russell to post several Biblical principles on his website for consideration, most of which are centered on age-old principles of tact, truthfulness, patience and consideration.

For example, mature Christians shouldn’t be so easily offended. Even when responding to thoughtless deeds and words, we should do so in private and never over-react, protecting all parties involved from unnecessary embarrassment and mere confrontation. Scripture assuring us that, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience. It is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 10:11 And maybe more importantly, specifically instructing us to, “…not think of yourselves more highly than you ought… Romans 12:3; “…but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Ephesians 2:3 Many issues being totally avoided if we were to, “…do to others what you would have them do to you,…” Matthew 7:12 Paul admonishing us to, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 Further instructing us to, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:17 Echoing Jesus’ assurance that, “…if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will forgive you.” Following that however with the warning, “…if you do not… your father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14,15

Being prepared to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile dictates that we expect contrary treatment. (Matthew 5:38-42) Because life isn’t always fair and people aren’t always nice. (But then, neither are we!) Jesus himself assuring us that, “In this word you will have trouble.” John 16:33 Get over it and get on with the life Jesus expects of you. (And, contrary to popular opinion, some unpleasant – even “aggressive” comments are occasionally appropriate. See, “You are the man! Of 2 Samuel 12 & Matthew 7:1-5 ; 15:1-14 & 23:1-33 The goal never retaliation or revenge; but the regret, remorse and repentance of 2 Corinthians 7:10)

And finally, be bold. Not obstinate and demanding, but know who you belong to – and thus who you are – and what you stand for, and then do so unafraid and uncompromisingly. Jesus saw the masses of people following him – some seeking the truth, others tying to subvert it – as sheep without a shepherd, and “…had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless,…” Matthew 9:36; which makes us all disagreeable at times. And even though there will always be those who will question authority and resent strong leadership, that’s exactly what the world needs today; people who aren’t easily intimidated nor overly tempted to accommodate those who complain of the goals they’re being led to. As, "…God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7; which allows us to then, “…correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience… careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2; and “…gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 (See also 1 Corinthians 16:13,14)

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Storms Of Life