Keeping Yourself in Check

By Brenda Boen
December 19, 2013

Recently I read a post by someone responding to a comment she didn’t like.  She made reference to people politely expressing their views and keeping themselves in check.  What does that really mean to keep yourself in check?

In the game of chess the object of the game is to checkmate the opponent, which happens when one player makes a move on the board that limits their opponent from making any other moves, thereby ending the game.  So in reference to the statement I read, this lady meant that people should keep themselves in check without getting themselves in trouble or in a bind by expressing their views on particular subjects.  That would be defined as being politically correct.  What does that mean?  Wikipedia defines it this way:
 

Political correctness is a term that refers to language, ideas, or policies that address perceived or actual discrimination against or alienation of politically, socially or economically disadvantaged groups.  The term usually implies that these social considerations are excessive or of a purely "political" nature.  These groups most prominently include those defined by gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability.

So if you have ideas and beliefs, in order to be politically correct, you must keep them to yourself because you certainly don’t want to offend someone by trying to influence them with what you believe.  Now, if someone is way off base and coming out of left field, I don’t want someone trying to cram it down my throat either.  So, it is understandable why people would prefer everyone be politically correct.  But what if someone is right and trying to convince you of the truth?  How do you discern what is true and what isn’t?

God is truth.  His Word, the Bible, is truth.  Truth is that God created us and wants a relationship with us.  But because we are sinful we cannot get to God.  But He loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ in the flesh to save us.  (John 3:16)  Jesus willingly died on a cross to bridge the gap between sinful man and God.  Because of His death we are made right with God.  But we have to accept His free gift of salvation in order to get to Him.  That is the truth that the world must hear.

 

If I am trying to spread the truth from God, I can’t just be politically correct and avoid the issue for fear of offending someone.  How else is the world going to be changed if we don’t tell the truth?  Sure, many will reject the truth because they don’t want to accept it.  And many will have blinders on.  But are we to keep it to ourselves?  I think not.  God has commanded us and Jesus Christ said……

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  Mark 16:15-16

So if I am spreading the gospel and trying to help others from being condemned, should I keep myself in check?  I think not.  I’d rather be politically incorrect.  Hate me if you must but consider how your life will end.  You can only end up in one of two places, either heaven or hell.  I’d much rather be hated if I can help someone else avoid hell.