Harsh Words

Proverbs 15:1  A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I guess I am something of a dinosaur. The current craze of "political correctness" grates against my nature and character. It could be an aging thing, or I might just be getting fed up with the mantra of the current narrative being shouted from many towers. We foolishly think that those elected to public office, or those who gain prominence socially would speak words of wisdom. Sadly, that is often not the case. Ignorance has replaced wisdom in modern speech.

At some magical undefined date and time there came a shift in the beliefs of the country we call the USA. I cannot pin down the precise moment, but it happened nonetheless. And we are not a better country for that change. Without any doubt, Satan is celebrating. For we have arrived at a point where we elevate sinful behavior and decry those who speak out against sin. Some might say we are living in an age of social enlightenment. Those same words have been used on many occasions to justify all manners of despicable and and sinful behavior. Sadly the measure used to define this "enlightenment" is not written down. It is merely made up is someone or a group of people's head. And surprise, surprise the measure shifts to meet the convenience of the modern desires. Today when somebody choses to stand up for biblical principals, they are shouted down and called hate mongers. The words of Jesus from Matthew 23:13 ring awfully loud  "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in." Jesus used soft words on many occasions. He delivered many messages with sweet words. But, on some occasions, when soft words had failed it was time for harsh words and tough talk.  The truth in ancient times was not warmly received. Unfortunately the same holds true today regardless of the perceived level of "social enlightenment".

Our problem is not different than in the days when our Savior walked this earth. Sin is sin and to not call it sin does not lessen the abomination before God it represents. Somewhere and somehow we as believers need to find the words of love to share the message that we embrace the sinner, we just reject the sin. We love those who sin, because we too are sinners. We do not accept sinful behavior as correct behavior. We cannot preach the holier-than-thou doctrine because we are not. We who are sinful and broken rely on the grace of God for our salvation. We acknowledge our broken condition. But, those who reject that they are broken a paving a path of destruction upon themselves and the generations to follow. If something is wrong, it is wrong. It does not become right because the vocal minority choses to say it is right. How well did that work out for Sodom and Gomorra? We need to pray because this is a God-sized problem that is Satan inspired & manmade. You and I by ourselves cannot solve this problem!

PRAYER: Father in heaven, give us Your words. We need Your words to change what needs to be changed. Inspire us with Your words to reach out in love to embrace the sinner, because Your Son embraced all mankind on the cross. Give us the words to share the message of forgiveness gained on the cross. We desperately need You Lord. This we ask in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.