Political Correctness vs. Faith

If you take the concept of political correctness at face value, it is a good thing. If being politically correct means that we treat people of different backgrounds with respect and do not stereotype them based on their race or gender, then it is in fact, very biblical.

But this is not the real intention of our modern, politically correct movement.

In truth, this movement is designed to intimidate people into using language that has been pre-approved. Political correctness tends to be completely focused on human sensitivity and self-esteem. When you focus on human sensitivity and self, you eliminate God from your life.

Emphasizing human sensitivity and adjusting our terminology will not produce self-esteem or self-respect. Self-acceptance stems first and foremost from our knowledge of who we are in Jesus Christ. That is why true followers of Christ must not engage in this absurdity and shallowness. We must declare openly and without shame that all those who are in Christ Jesus are brothers and sisters in Him. Everyone who knows Jesus, whether they are men or women, young or old, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American — or from any other background — are equal in His sight. Each will share equally in the inheritance of their heavenly Father's estate. That is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Before the politically correct crowd was ever born, believers loved one another. We didn't love because we were pressured by society to do it. We loved because Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). We must continue to declare to the world that God does not judge us by outward appearance, but He judges us based on our faith in Him. Faith is our common denominator, not political correctness.

Historical revisionists and liberal Bible scholars are trying to apply modern-day values to the Word of God and to historical facts. They remove all of the pieces they don't like. May we be warned: If we continue on this path, we will end up with a pack of lies and our children will not learn the truth about the Word of God or the history of this nation.

Scripture is clear. In 2 Timothy, Paul warns his young friend to not be ashamed to preach the Gospel, saying: "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

It is politically incorrect to say that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life — but it is the truth. Only His truth changes lives and unlocks the beauty of our full worth as men and women who are made in His image. Only He can change our hearts so we are able to love our neighbors.

We must remember that the only thing that counts is true faith "expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6).

*************************************************************

Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.

Please register today for a free trial subscription of My Journal, a monthly publication featuring biblical teaching from Michael Youssef and weekly devotionals to encourage you in your personal Christian walk. You'll also enjoy ministry updates, testimonies from around the globe, our current broadcast schedules, and more!

For more information on the ministry of Leading The Way, please visit our web-site at www.leadingtheway.org.

Featured Offer

NEW BOOK FROM DR. MICHAEL YOUSSEF FOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT

In his new devotional book My Refuge, My Strength, Dr. Michael Youssef guides you to open your heart to God, your ever-present help. Filled with compelling reflections, eye-opening Biblical illustrations, and moving prayers, these 60 powerful devotions will spur you to deeper intimacy with the Lord. Today, you can begin the journey to surrender your restlessness, move from discontentment to contentment, and experience abiding peace in Christ. Request your hardcover edition today for your gift of any amount!

About Leading The Way

Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through print, web, television, and radio, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives at home — and around the world.

What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ — including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Leading The Way's television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. Leading The Way also produces DVDs, CDs, books, a monthly devotional magazine, solar-powered Navigators, and daily e-devotionals to spread the light of Christ. In 2009, the ministry launched its own 24/7 satellite TV channel, reaching the Muslim world with Gospel programming in English, Arabic, French, and Indonesian. Leading The Way utilizes field teams to evangelize and disciple viewers in closed countries and help persecuted Christians on the ground.

Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way staff are committed to sharing the Gospel with the lost and equipping believers to grow into a deeper walk with Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.

About Dr. Michael Youssef

Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and field ministry teams. His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast more than 13,000 times per week in multiple languages throughout the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds degrees from Moore College in Sydney, Australia; Fuller Theological Seminary in California; and a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Hope for This Present Crisis, Life-Changing Prayers, and Never Give Up. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.