Church of God Ministries

“1 Peter 2:5 – In His Hands, We Are Built”

Pastor’s Letters

Warm hellos once again friends, brethren, fellow laborers, spiritual family, and scattered children of God from here on the Gulf Coast of lower Alabama. My wife and I pray and hope this finds you doing well, and that again your week has been blessed.

In 4 days we’ll begin the fall Feasts with the Feast of Trumpets. Then the Day of Atonement, and then in a little over 2 weeks we’ll be observing the Feast of Tabernacles. While observing His days, nothing really changes in the world, except things continued heading further from what God would desire in worship and obedience to Him.

I hope we will have a deep focus and reflective mindset on what these Feasts of the Lord do for each one of us as we observe them.

We’re in the midst of a political frenzy right now. Each day brings something to our attention to further separate, divide, and destabilize this nation. Along with this, here in the U.S. we continue to have a very common verbiage now days, “We should be politically correct, as to not offend anyone”.

Political correctness is wide spread, and now affects all areas of the globe. I’m absolutely amazed how much folks have changed just in my lifetime!

Recently I was again asked to define what PC means. I was also asked “…if PC was a modern concept?” Here is the definition from the dictionary. “Conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated”.

It has become so pervasive that it impacts all levels of our society and impedes our communication with others. Sadly, I watch it growing within the confines of the body of Christ.

So, what’s my point? Why has this concept and practice become so prevalent? Does the Bible address such “modern” concepts?

Actually, God’s Word gives very specific instruction on the motives that drive this idea and focus.

The movement toward political correctness is an attempt to reshape society through intimidation and coercion, to promote well documented feminist ideas, and to silence any opposing views. Being politically correct inhibits “good communication” because it muddles the meaning of words and phrases.

Not only are folks not able to spell, or use proper sentence structure, but more and more have little clue of what correct meanings of words are. You’d think we’ve rewritten language with some of the conclusions many come to.

Historically, Solomon wrote on this very subject: “Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; for my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge” (Proverbs 8:6-9).

This instruction also does not leave any room for “spin” or for obfuscating the truth. Now a days, flat out lies have become the norm. It’s not in politics only, but throughout society. Religion is not exempt.

If we go back to the time of Moses, the instruction was to speak plainly: “You shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 27:8). One of those laws is: “You shall not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16).

Down through the ages, God’s instruction also has not changed.

Notice the words of the disciples as Jesus spoke to them: “His disciples said to Him, ’See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!’” (John 16:29). Jesus also taught that we should speak plainly. “But let your ’Yes’ be ’Yes,’ and your ’No,’ be ’No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37).

If you and I are really concerned about the way we communicate, the words of David in Psalm 19:14 should be our prayer and our approach to life. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”

So, how important is being politically correct to you?

I’d ask you to search His Word and bless others by following David’s example as mentioned above…and don’t fall into the trappings of this world. Desiring to be “politically correct” is something we should not be aspiring to.

We’ll soon spend 8 continuous days focusing on God’s plan, His words, and His thoughts. Philippians 2:5 admonishes you and me to have Christ’s mind in us. That focus is very different than what we are seeing today, and have seen for thousands of years when man is not in tune with God.

There is a new world coming. And it won’t be politically correct according to the definition of today’s world. God speed that day!

Arms up friends! Our sincere prayers and thoughts are with you daily. Thanks in advance for your heartfelt prayers for us.

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-Scott Hoefker

(Pastor, Church of God Ministries)