Are you hiding or raising up?
Proverbs 28:28--As much as I eschew giving too much attention to the perils of political correctness, this proverb seems to point us in that direction.
I'm going to give a bit of an "On the One Hand" and "On the Other Hand" rendering of political correctness.
One the one hand, political correctness has indeed caused us Jesus-followers to feel we need to hide our faith and convictions.
I remember after moving from the Philadelphia area to northwest Georgia the culture shock of walking into our bank and a bank vice-president telling us to "have a blessed day." Or the grocery check-out woman saying, "God bless you." We went from feeling uncomfortable saying Merry Christmas, to freely saying, "God bless you." It was liberating.
It's almost like stepping back 30-40 years, to a kinder, gentler time. And, for the most part, we love it.
But, on the other hand, that time period was not very kind and gentle to all people. And, it doesn't happen that often, but every once in a while those old prejudices surface. It's when I understand the early root of political correctness. The need to protect all peoples.
So, what does this have to do with this proverb? I guess wickedness shows up in subtle ways. One doesn't have to be completely wicked in order to be wicked. The far right and the far left both have dark areas.
The Nazis loved their children and wanted the best for them, but the horrible methods they took to ensure their future nearly annihilated a people.
What if instead of political correctness or generic conservatism or any type of political philosophies, we fostered righteousness?
I live in a community where there is an essence of this--and it's a blessing. But, what if we could do more?
What if as an employee we pray that GOD would show us how to spot a "wicked power" that people hide from and then ask Him how to raise up righteousness?
What if as an employer we pray that GOD would give us discernment in how to modify an infrastructure that might hide wickedness?
What if as a political leader, we pray that GOD would give us a voice on behalf of those hiding from wickedness, and help them to rise up in righteousness?
It can begin as simply as doing the righteous, just thing at the grocery check-out line--returning money that is given to us in error. Or pointing out in humble boldness an act of prejudice or injustice. Or, smiling with sweet humility, and saying, "GOD bless you."
Yes, what if?
May we rise up in righteousness, my friends.
Proverbs 28:28--When the wicked rise to power, people hide, but when they perish, the righteous increase. Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
Comments
Post a Comment