Focal Passage: Titus 2:1-15
In response to the presenter’s honest attempt to say something in a non-offensive way at a recent seminar I attended, a person from the back of the room shouted out mockingly that “Jesus never worried about being politically correct.”
Now I know a strong biblical case can be made that there were times when Jesus was intentionally politically incorrect, but I don’t read in the New Testament of a Jesus who just trampled the existing legal, moral, or social codes. As I read the gospels, I find that for each speaking to a woman at a well scene, there is a “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s” directive. I think there were times when Jesus was very politically correct. And I know there were times when He wasn’t.
Paul writes to Titus that we must have sound speech that cannot be condemned, but also that we should live soberly, righteously and godly lives. It is not about “speaking” a certain way or “acting” a certain way, it is about being a certain way. There are no warnings about the implications of those actions. Paul seems to be saying, “be godly and let the chips fall where they may.” If that is accurate, then there is no need to bother with political correctness as such will take care of itself. Politically correct? No, godly. In being godly there is enough room to stand firm and yet not judge. Paul seems to be saying be like Christ and if that offends anyone, well then so be it.
Maybe the mocker from the back row of my seminar was right, maybe Jesus never “worried about” being politically correct. Jesus just lived righteously and let the political chips fall wherever they fell.