The Danger of Political Correctness

Proverbs 25:26 (NLT) If the godly compromise with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.

Who do you fear? Who will you "back down" to? Who will you "soft peddle" a position with? Who do you treat "tenderly" for fear of alienation? Who will you not "debate" when God's glory is not recognized?

The fear of other men has crippled many a leader, and we have seen it in politics today when some are guided by focus groups and polls instead of the integrity of their heart and commitment to a vision and purpose that might be unpopular. Happens in the corporate world where one sometimes must manage "the thoroughbred" Sales VP and Marketing VP who are disagreeing.

"Muddy a spring" caught my eye because the King James translated "muddy" as "corrupt." Turns out that that Hebrew word is rich in meaning and is used over 150 times in the Old Testament. It’s first use is interesting: it is the word used to describe the corruption of the earth that brought about the Noah's flood. Muddy misses the point. You can muddy a spring, and after a season the mud, the silt, the particulates will settle; but when you corrupt something, time only makes it worse. Compromising with the wicked is not only an event; it is a process that impacts us.

Scripture has much to say about this subject about who being in awe (fear) of people, positions or places: it's a trap (Pr 29:25); it's reflects a faulty perspective about life (Isaiah 51:12); and, it gets in the way of belief (John 12:42). We are consistently warned to fear God - to "work out" (like a farmer who must constantly work the land) our salvation with “fear and trembling.” In today's culture, this boldness, this ability to mix grace and truth is ever more important for it is not politically correct to talk about exclusion, about narrow way, about one way. We are a pluralistic culture and we "must be" inclusive.

Who do we fear? The Apostle Peter put it out there in a straightforward manner in a culture that could kill him for proclaiming the truth - look what they did to Jesus. Acts 4:12 is worth remembering:  Peter proclaims to those that caused the killing of Jesus, "Salvation is found in no one else for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Talk about not being politically correct! And in that culture, what you said could get you beaten, jailed and even killed.

I'm reminded of an observation by George Orwell, "The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one's real and one's declared aims, one turns, as it were, instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish squirting out ink." Sometimes, I have found myself moving to long words and exhausted idioms to not be clear about what I believe so I "don't offend." I had not considered my real aim in the conversation. When I consider the motives, my sincerity is at stake. Was it to win the debate? Or was it to present the gospel to one who needs to hear it? That person's eternal destiny is at stake and I won't use clear language? Got my "fear compass" all twisted.

As leaders of organizations we can and must be clear about our faith when asked. We must take a stand for truth. We must not equivocate. The question I have to ask myself, is where am I willing to compromise so as not to offend? And then, repent. You don't want to muddy or pollute or corrupt the gospel of the living water. You want to stand firm in a clear, unambiguous way that is not mean-spirited, demeaning, degrading or cold.

Speaking the truth in love takes confidence, patience, and submission to the Holy Spirit. Submit and the discussion can be about Him and what He provides to those who would believe.  No compromise. No fear.

Copyright (c) 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell     

When What You Say Matters

Proverbs 24:7 (MSG) Wise conversation is way over the head of fools; in a serious discussion they haven't a clue.

• James 1:26 (NIV) If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.


• I Peter 3:10 (NIV) For, "Whoever would love life and see good days and must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech...

I am struck how silly many discussions are generated in our culture today. TV sitcoms with their insipid and silly writing constantly distract. "Serious" TV news programs with the "new intelligencia" pontificating -- often without actual first source and/or authority often seem to be deep and wise when they are but simple propaganda.  The Letterman, Leno interviews (and other similar TV shows) are trivial, at best. Nothing deep. And if a person being interviewed speaks of things "wise," show producers will soon end those conversations - they would be considered "not entertaining."  And we as a nation do want to be entertained!

People who have a Godly basis to their conversations are not really understood by the masses, the media or the mighty. In May of last year Aspen mountaineer, Aron Ralston, using a pocketknife, amputated his own arm to survive a boulder that fell and trapped him in the rocks. Aron is a Believer and appeared on the Letterman show. Sadly, Dave did not really know how to even talk to him at a serious level - only the factual. Letterman was out of his element dealing with the quiet peace Aron projected about God's grace and care.  He didn't have a clue. People magazine and the others like it, wrote long but trivial articles. They didn't have a clue.

We have a generation that seems to only want to talk about people, places and things. Conversations are not often about ideas, beliefs, and concepts. Where is the discussion of unintended consequences? Of foundational belief system?  Of the path to integrity? Of truth? Of core beliefs? Of the role of holiness in a decision? Of the role of Wisdom?

I listened to the biography of John Adams while driving in one of our Portland trips. Big book. Long listening. I was entranced with the letters that flowed between John and his wife, his children and his friends. They were filled with Scripture and spiritual analogies. Adams was a man of the Word - as was his wife. It showed. He was well read in the Greek and Roman classics also; but his foundation, the plumb line of any of his thinking and comments about what he was reading, was always based on Scripture.

Wise conversation about business, conversation about ethics IS over the head of fools. I have experienced it in seminars and dinners. When Biblical principles are put forth, the eyebrows furrow; "they" don't get it. The recent Sarbanes-Oxley environment has produced much talking, little wise conversation. The world just does not "get it." Truth is relative to the majority of the audience and the end does justify the means - despite protestations to the contrary. As one executive put in, “The Ten Commandants haven’t worked; why should we think our rules will work?”  Well, the Ten have worked and continue to work for those who follow Christ. A discussion of ethics without a discussion of morality and truth is useless, yet it happens often.

I recommend to you Rise of the New Ethics Class by Stephen Austin with Mary Steelman. These authors pull no punches: their examples are from scripture. Steve's validation of ethical principals in accounting is from Scripture. Their view is that America's businesses need a reformation so that biblical principles would replace the flimsy, amorphous, ever changing "ethics" of the world. They get it.

Wise conversation is simple. Not simplistic:  serious not sensational. Can we talk? Really talk.

Copyright (c) 2005 by P. Griffith Lindell     

Attitude Adjustment

Proverbs 19:23   (NIV) - The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

• Proverbs 28:26  (NIV) - He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

• 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLV) Growing strong in body is all right but growing in God living is more important. It will not only help you in this life now but in the next life also.

• Luke 10:25-27 (NLT) 25One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?" 26Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" 27The man answered, " `You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, `Love your neighbor as yourself.' " 28"Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!"

There is a time in every person’s life when we face a choice:  God-confidence vs. self-confidence. The former is tough for some, for it’s driven by faith; the latter, is much easier since it’s more easily apprehended – it’s by sight – what we can see, touch, smell and hear.

There is a false security that comes to people who dream of escape from common ills - we see the rise of the lottery, reality shows that reward strange behaviors with money, fame and a false sense of security. Our culture is focused on what an individual can do. People are trying to convince us that government can operate without acknowledging our dependence on God. All around us individualism, intelligence and independence are praised. The impudence of the "blue state mentality" is defined by "trusting in themselves" without a care about what God thinks, by ignoring what scripture says and by not making God their stronghold rather trusting in their great wealth. These people seem to be growing strong in the eyes of the world but their end is death.  

For the believer, this verse promises safety, satisfaction and serenity.

Safety does not mean that life won't happen to a Believer: what it does mean is that despite disease, distress and despair, the believer is ultimately safe. It's that deep-seated belief in safety that drove those who are subjects in Fox's Book of Martyrs. These people could live lives of trust because they knew they were safe. They learned to set their focus on loving God, not on the destruction of their life and for many, their bodies. They knew that God was at work and trusted Him with the outcome.

Each testified to a satisfying life as do many today in desperate circumstances. Many a missionary, living in fear of their lives, talk about a satisfying life - not a dangerous life. How? They have learned to "fear God." This "fear of the LORD" is deep stuff - think of Peter in Mat 26:33 who said, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." And then fell. Here was a man who walked with Christ, yet had not completely caught hold of the calmness that only comes from Christ. Fearing God is not a trivial thing, or easily grasped and held on to. It is the opposite of self-reliance and yet, paradoxically, the more we rely on Him, the more confident we appear to others. Why? Because those who do really rely on God, "rest content."

The Psalmist, who had a life of misery, majesty and mystery, remained serene despite many desperate circumstances and encourages us (105:4) to "look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always..." as a way of being. So what does the Lord what us to do?  Talk to Him as if He were standing beside us. Consider what He wants in any situation. Continually ask Him to direct and lead. Pray without ceasing.

"Untouched by trouble" is not about circumstances, but about our attitude born of faith about what’s happening - "without faith, it is impossible to please God."

Got faith? You got attitude.

Copyright (c) 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell     

Wealth Without Anxiety?

Proverbs 10:22 NLT 22The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

Wealth is not the goal of a wise person, but it is often a consequence – a consequence that has spiritual implications. Today's verse is quite a promise when you think about it: riches with no sorrow: wealth without anxiety. No disquieting spirit, worrying about who might take it away; or how you might loose it; or the tax burden because of it; or the misunderstandings about you because you have it.

When God blesses, it is a blessing from Heaven. The riches he gives us here and transit and not even able to stand in comparison to the eternal riches we earn by our obedience – and these riches are stored where moth and rust do not corrupt; where thieves cannot break-in and steal. It’s about focus. Our focus must be on how well we practice stewardship with what He has given to us.

Blessings of God release us to give it back to Him allowing Him to use us as His straw through which His living water may flow. But you might say, wait a minute; verse 4 in this same chapter tells us "...the hand of the diligent makes rich..." it's hard work that will make us rich! It could seem that diligence rather than laziness has a consequence and Proverbs certainly has repeated references to diligence yielding riches. But maybe there is another view.

If we make ourselves slaves to this world - slaving away at work for riches - we have missed the point:  we are slaves of Jesus. Not a servant hired to work so many hours. Slaves. Owned by Him. Always working for Him. It is about Him. We rely on Him for food, clothing, and shelter. Slaves.

But here is the paradox: we can be rich and be slaves. And with no sorrow.

Blessings from the Lord do not come with continuing lust or passion for more riches --free from the incentive for yet more and more. Blessings from the Lord are freeing, not enslaving. But we can only arrive there when we become slaves of the Lord - or as Paul said, "bondservants of Jesus Christ." So, just whom does the Lord bless? Those who are diligent to:

• Know Him and purse His kingdom here on earth;


• Be like Him;


• Bless others as He did; and,


• Obey Him.

Without a scent of self-centeredness; without a hint of disputing His law; obeying wholeheartedly. I think of it this way: Heaven is the ultimate blessing of the Lord. In Heaven, there is no sorrow. Sorrow here is an attitude: there the lack of it is a state of being. The promise here is that in this life if we would only just realize that "in Him we move and have our being..." that in that state of living it is the Lord, and only the Lord, who will bring a person wealth without sorrow. Wealth that frees us, not wealth that enslaves us.

Christian business leadership should be focused on who we are, not what we are. Leadership that keeps the focus on Him - "seek you FIRST the kingdom of God." That's true leadership. Let the Lord determine who will receive the blessings of riches that bring no sorrow. Let us determine to be faithful followers, good stewards of what we have, leaving the results to Him.


Copyright (c) 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell

Who Do You Fear?

Proverbs 8:10 -11 (MSG) 10Prefer my life--disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career. 11For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.

• Matt 10:28 (NIV)  28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Chapter 8 of Proverbs introduces the reader to Wisdom: her beginning, her instruction (discipline) and her value to people. What struck me was how counter-intuitive verse 10 (above) is to our culture today. Status, wealth, power, and living the "good life" rule the airwaves. We live in a society where truth is not as valued as is correctness, tolerance and sincerity (being open to any idea as long as it is passionately, personally, sincerely believed).  We have become a society that is more concerned about how we look, how we are liked, and how are decisions "feel" than what is right (or better, righteous).  

In Patrick Lencioni's book on The Five Temptations of a CEO he suggests that the fourth of those is about choosing harmony over conflict. His point was that many CEOs are tempted to "protect their status, to be popular with direct reports, and ...correct decisions sometimes fail...because they haven't benefited from the best sources of information...available to them: their direct reports." This conflict avoidance is done because of a desire for people to "get along," to "agree," to be inclusive. Lencioni's advice was to "tolerate discord." Encourage the passionate sharing of ideological differences. Consider different perspectives. Then, make a decision that honors inputs and is focused on the vision, is in line with the mission and reflects the core values of the organization. Trust people with your ego. Lead. A leader who is grounded can do this. A leader who prefers fearing God is equipped to think with multiple, divergent inputs. This kind of leader understands that it is not about what people think, but about what God thinks and can tolerate passionate discussion so that clarity of purpose can be achieved.

Christian Leaders understand that Christ brings division (see Matt 10: 34 - 39) and that the Gospel is not politically correct - but that does not stop them from acknowledging their source of Wisdom, their anchor in a storm.

In Acts 17, the reaction of the intellectuals when Paul spoke in the very pluralistic Athens is very similar today's - people "sneer" at the Gospel and the belief in a personal God who cares, loves and to whom all are accountable.

Taking a stand in business for truth and righteousness sometimes will yield sneering. To battle that belittling attitude, Christian leaders must remember, "Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth." It is a lie that "he who has the gold, wins." Wisdom will ultimately trump the Donald Trumps of this world.

Righteousness will someday reign. Leaders whose source of strength is not their balance sheet, their stock price, but their Creator-Lord may take some "hits" from the "ruler of this world;" but, undaunted, they focus on the goal set before them by the Word and press on toward a higher calling then net worth.

The promise of God is that He cares for the little sparrows: how much more will He care for us who are created in His image and "fear" only Him. Chapter 8 in Proverbs ends with [Wisdom speaking]"...blessed (happy) are those who keep my ways..." Are you blessed?



Copyright (c) 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell