TODAYS BIBLE READING:
 

Political correctness has unfortunately changed every human relationship. Rather than correcting, shaping, and convicting, difficult subjects are glossed over or completely ignored so as not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Developing the next generation has taken a back seat to building self-esteem. The consequence of this change is playing out in our world today. Discipline and correction should not be harsh or cruel, but should be done for insight into wrong behavior, so that these young minds are shaped into something beautiful, and more importantly minds that are open to accept Jesus, as they contrast their imperfect behavior to His perfect character. But as I watch our world changing before our eyes, it is the sin of Sodom before our eyes. This sin is a shamelessness and a brazenness towards aberrant behavior. Sex outside of God’s definition is now celebrated. Our cities are filled with rioters who are proudly destroying the lives and properties of others. Filled with self-esteem and seemingly not the least bit of guilt or self-reflection they go from city to city destroying everything on their paths. Where are their families? Where are their parents? Where are those figures who should be pointing out the folly of their actions? Sadly, some have joined them. Others remain quiet for fear of creating conflict or damaging their self-esteem. We read in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” For decades rather than sowing seeds for God, seeds of godlessness have been sown in our homes, in our schools, in the workplace, etc., and we are reaping these consequences.

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Paul wrote a rather harsh letter in 1 Corinthians which directly confronted some of the serious problems in the lives of these young and carnal Christians. But see his words in 2 Corinthians 7:9-12, “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.”

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Paul knew that what they needed was not just to feel sorry for what they had done, which is often the purpose in confession. It was much deeper than that. He knew they needed repentance. Sorrow makes one feel bad, but that is not enough, it must lead to a change in mind from their former way of thinking to God’s way. This is the heart of repentance. We, who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior can’t simply shake our heads in disgust. Take a few minutes to pray about who it is that you might be able to influence for God’s kingdom. You don’t have to change the world, simply set your eyes and thoughts on that child, that relative, that neighbor, that colleague and pour into them unapologetically God’s message. Jesus so often placed His attention on one person at a time. May we do the same.