In this time and age of political correctness, people pay attention to what others do or say and are critical when they offend the sensibilities of others. This is well and good when political correctness comes from a deep respect for the dignity and humanity of the other person. But often I sense a certain condescension in some, thinking that others do not know any better. Or, it is sometimes a subtle dig at others for thinking or acting differently from the commonly accepted norms. And sometimes others are pressured into behaving other than who they really are just to be politically correct. And the biggest incongruity for me is how some people would demand respect and acceptance from others when they would deny these things from foreigners visiting their countries.
There are times I behave in a politically correct manner in order to conform and to be accepted – even to the point of denying who I am or what I stand for. This is like lighting a lamp and hiding it in a jar. In time, my light, my truth dies out. I love this line from Desiderata, “Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.” And this quote from Boris Pasternak, “In every generation there has to be some fool who will speak the truth as he sees it.”
A Christian is somehow who has heard a good news so exciting and liberating that he want to tell the whole world about it.
The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.
Psalm 15
Jesus said to his disciples,
“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar,
or puts it under a bed,
but puts it on a lamp stand,
so that those who enter may see the light.
For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed,
nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light.
Then pay attention to how you listen;
for to those who have, more will be given;
and from those who do not have,
even what they seem to have will be taken away.”
Luke 8:16-18