Not sure how to say this, but it's been stewing inside for some time. Here it is: we live in a culture where it's wrong to say something is wrong. That bugs me. I'd rather be biblically correct than politically correct. And I think the church needs to be a prophetic voice to our culture.
Here is what is frustrating to me. It seems like those with tact lack courage. And those with courage lack tact. How many of us have been publically embarrassed by something stupid that somone said in the name of Christ? We need some more voices that combine tact and courage. Voices that speak the truth in love. Voices that are rational and revelational.
I was talking about these issues with a Washington lobbyist yesterday. He's one of the good guys lobbying for good things! And I referenced the promise Jesus gave his followers in Matthew 10:11:
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
This is an incredible promise. The Holy Spirit will tell us what to say when we need to say it. The funny thing is that we think of this in preaching terms. But this promise has nothing to do with saying the right thing from behind the pulpit. It is a much broader promise than that.
Does this promise apply to educators who write lesson plans? How about lawmakers as they write legislation? What about journalists as they write their stories? How about programmers who write code? Or screenwriters that write scripts?
God wants to speak through us--through our acting, teaching, writing, counseling, lobbying, parenting, and preaching. We need to recapture our prophetic voice.
We need to stand up for what's right in a culture where it's wrong to say something is wrong. No easy task. And we've got to do it with a spirit of humility, a heart of love, and a logic that persuades.
Here is what is frustrating to me. It seems like those with tact lack courage. And those with courage lack tact. How many of us have been publically embarrassed by something stupid that somone said in the name of Christ? We need some more voices that combine tact and courage. Voices that speak the truth in love. Voices that are rational and revelational.
I was talking about these issues with a Washington lobbyist yesterday. He's one of the good guys lobbying for good things! And I referenced the promise Jesus gave his followers in Matthew 10:11:
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
This is an incredible promise. The Holy Spirit will tell us what to say when we need to say it. The funny thing is that we think of this in preaching terms. But this promise has nothing to do with saying the right thing from behind the pulpit. It is a much broader promise than that.
Does this promise apply to educators who write lesson plans? How about lawmakers as they write legislation? What about journalists as they write their stories? How about programmers who write code? Or screenwriters that write scripts?
God wants to speak through us--through our acting, teaching, writing, counseling, lobbying, parenting, and preaching. We need to recapture our prophetic voice.
We need to stand up for what's right in a culture where it's wrong to say something is wrong. No easy task. And we've got to do it with a spirit of humility, a heart of love, and a logic that persuades.
11 Comments:
Wow...great stuff. Thank you for your posting.
-- Bryan
I agree whole heartedly. I am a teacher, a high school teacher. It is my belief that my life, my actions, and my words can be an example to my students. I can not talk to them outright about being a christian...but I can show them through example.
I was just having this a conversation along these lines yesterday with a few friends. The eroding lines of morality in our culture, and sometimes I feel within the church. I'm 27 years old and I'm heavily burdened with people in my generation and younger. I know many who've been church goers all their lives and yet it's hard to make a distinction based on decisions they choose to make on lifestyles. Of course, not meaning to be judgemental, but how to be accountable to them. How to say: something is wrong in our society. I believe the church should be the catalyst to the changed need that's spoken about in 2 Chronicles 7:14. I'm desperate for God to heal MY land. And I believe that starts with being a prophetic loving voice in our communities.
My husband and I were having this very conversation last night. I'm afraid I'm one of those with courage and no tact, yet, of late, the Holy Spirit has been moving in me, and if I pray before speaking, the right words come.
Laurie,
Very interesting that the Holy Spirit is the source of both "boldness" and "tact." He tells us what to say. And then He gives us the boldness.
One of my preaching prayers is that I would say things that are timeless and timely. By timely I mean the right word at the right time.
Blessings,
Mark
Mark, you have such gift to say things that many of us think about in a way that clarifies ideas and gets to the heart of issues. I think the "tact/courage" idea you talked about is so huge. Unfortunately, its often the people with courage and no tact that get the air-time on the news stations. That is one reason so many people have a terribly negative and warped perspective of Christians. I can't tell you how many times I have seen/heard something about Westboro Baptist Church in the media (just google these confused people and you will see what I mean). Yet, Mark gets a fraction of the air-time for the amazing things he is doing in DC. I guess some questions this raises in my mind are: What are we to do with individuals that misuse the name of Jesus on such a national scale? How do we go about being courageous with tact in such a politically correct culture? Can it be done on a larger scale or does it have to be more of a grass roots movement?
Mark,
You hit the nail on the head...Biblically Correct vs. Politically Correct. All Christians carry the responsibility to courageously and tactfully lift up the name of Jesus Christ.
Clayton King delivered a message, at NewSpring Church on 4-27, that strongly supports your assertions.
Anyone who wants to view Clayton's message can do so at:
http://www.newspring.cc/
Thanks for your bold and challenging post.
Chip
I agree with Chip...I saw that sermon by Clayton King at Newspring, and it was awesome!!! Thanks for letting God use you to challenge me in this area, to step up to the plate and not be afraid. Love this post!!!
Oh yeah, I use gmail, but don't have a google blog. I am at www.captivating1.com. Thanks!!!
Hi Mark-
I enjoy your blog and insights. Do you have the courage (per your blog article) to take sides on this issue?
See:
http://www.freegoodnews.com/2007/05/this_blog_entry.html
...Bernie
www.FreeGoodNews.com
Thanks so much for writing this. I'm one that sometimes lacks tact but never runs short on courage. All of this definitely applies to teachers who write lesson plans. I'm a vioinist and private violin/viola teacher in MD/DC/VA area and find that the best lessons I teach are the ones that I plan the least because God helps me teach from the heart and figure out how to reach each student in the best way to provide what they need at a particular moment.
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