Is it better to be politically correct or spiritually correct?
During my bible study today, this verse stood out to me.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11
Lets start our understanding with some definitions:
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary to “reprove” means to:
- to scold or correct
- to express disapproval of
- to express rebuke
According to online Web Results, to “express” means to:
- to put (thought) into words; utter or state: to express an idea clearly.
- to show, manifest, or reveal: to express one’s anger.
- to set forth the opinions, feelings, etc., of (oneself), as in speaking, writing, or painting: He can express himself eloquently.
- to represent by a symbol, character, figure, or formula: to express water as H 2 O; to express unknown quantities algebraically.
- to send by express: to express a package or merchandise.
- to press or squeeze out: to express the juice of grapes.
- to exude or emit (a liquid, odor, etc.), as if under pressure: The roses expressed a sweet perfume.
- Genetics. (of a gene) to be active in the production of (a protein or a phenotype).
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary says that “political correctness” is “agreeing with the idea that people should be careful to not use language or behave in a way that could offend a particular group of people.”
Usually to be politically correct, we are expected to not express, not correct, and “overlook” darkness so we don’t offend others. People are usually forced into political correctness by those in power. Those in power usually control the financial rewards or punishment, such as controlling the money or accessibility to resources, employment, raises for job performance, etc and are able to invoke financial punishment or removal of resources on those who don’t comply.
Political correctness might be in relation to a conversation that relates to a job, gender, school curriculum, sports, community programs, sexual orientation, or topics such as abortion, sexual immorality, rituals, holidays, marital affairs, worship of other gods and goddesses, etc.
So now we see that political correctness and spiritual correctness are not the same. They are usually opposites of each other. To overlook evil for the sake of not offending someone is not what we are instructed to do in the scriptures, and for good reason. Political correctness is the opposite of love. Though it may look like a loving thing to avoid offense, it is actually the opposite of true love.
As children of Father God and followers of his Son Jesus Christ, we cannot stay quiet about works of darkness. Works of darkness are unfruitful and will lead to an eternity separated from God. Our fruit will be judged, and we are warned not to participate in darkness, but to remain children of the light.
We are told to rebuke and correct works of darkness and lovingly pull our brothers (and sisters) from the fire ahead that results from sin before it is too late to save their souls from eternal damnation. We are to lovingly and sternly warn them of what is up ahead at eternity so they can come out of darkness, repent, be saved by Jesus, and be transformed in to a new being. They can be transformed by the Spirit of God and the renewing of their mind that is no longer in darkness, but now abides in light, the light of Father God and his Son.
When you read this verse in context, it’s meaning in this passage of scripture becomes even more clear.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
But fornication (sexual immorality), and all uncleanness, or covetousness (wanting stuff and wanting what others have), let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting (mock, idle tale, tease, or witty remark), which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
For this ye know, that no whoremonger (sex outside of marriage, or one who has sex with a prostitute), nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater (one who has idols or man made gods or puts their trust in man made systems and creations), hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:1-17
It is clearly wiser to be spiritually correct.
May we understand what it means to wake up to the truth, to walk as the wise, obey the commandments of Father God, reprove unfruitful works, walk in the light, walk in true love, and understand the will of the Lord God our creator.
Be wise and be blessed!
