The Politically Correct or Biblically Correct Mother?
May 8, 2016, A.M. (2Timothy 1:3-8) Command Baptist Church
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God, (vs. 3-8).
“Political Correctness” is a hot topic in American culture today. Not a day goes by that the media reminds us of political correctness. They report on someone who is not politically correct. What is political correctness? According to Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary, the noun political correctness is: “Agreeing with the idea that people should be careful to not use language or behave in a way that could offend a particular group of people.”
I haven’t really figured out what makes something politically correct. By everything that is said about political correctness, “Anything that is offensive to anyone or any group other than believers in Jesus Christ, aka: ‘the Christian,’ is said to be politically incorrect.” There are lots of examples of what it means to be politically incorrect from a warped worldview and liberal standpoint. For example, did you know:
• Government workers in Seattle have been told that they should no longer use the words “citizen” and “brown bag” because they are potentially offensive.
• A Florida police officer recently lost his job for calling Trayvon Martin a “thug” on Facebook.
• A professor at Ball State University was recently banned from even mentioning the concept of “intelligent design” because it would supposedly “violate the academic integrity” of the course that he was teaching.
• The mayor of Washington D.C. recently asked Christian songwriter and Gospel singer Donnie McClurkin not to attend his own concert because of his views on homosexuality.
• Chaplains in the U.S. military are being forced to perform gay marriages, even if it goes against their personal religious beliefs. The few chaplains that have refused to follow orders know that it means the end of their careers.
• The governor of California has signed a bill into law which will allow transgendered students to use whatever bathrooms and gym facilities that they would like…
• In San Francisco, authorities have installed small plastic “privacy screens” on library computers so that perverts can continue to exercise their “right” to watch pornography at the library without children being directly exposed to it.
• In an elementary school in North Carolina ordered a little six-year-old girl to remove the word “God” from a poem that she wrote to honor her two grandfathers that had served in the Vietnam War.
• A high school track team was disqualified earlier this year because one of the runners “made a gesture thanking God” once he had crossed the finish line.
• Earlier this year, a Florida Atlantic University student that refused to stomp on the name of Jesus was banned from class.
• A student at Sonoma State University was ordered to take off a cross that she was wearing because someone “could be offended“.
• A teacher in New Jersey was fired for giving his own Bible to a student that did not own one.
• Volunteer chaplains for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have been banned from using the name of Jesus on government property.
• According to a new Army manual, U.S. soldiers will now be instructed to avoid “any criticism of pedophilia” and to avoid criticizing “anything related to Islam”. The following is from a Judicial Watch article…
• The Obama administration has banned all U.S. government agencies from producing any training materials that link Islam with terrorism. In fact, the FBI has gone back and purged references to Islam and terrorism from hundreds of old documents.
• According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against criminals because it has a “disproportionate” impact on minorities.
(infowars.com)
Political correctness is killing our country and destroying our families. How? It is warping the minds of our youth to the point that they are accepting the views of left wing social media on “political correctness” instead of being taught what is biblically correct and plain common sense.
My challenge this morning is simple. First and foremost, this challenge goes out to every mother in our church to make up your mind to raise your children the Bible way instead of the politically correct way. Second, this challenge goes out to every Christian believer, (male or female, married or single), to exercise more concern about God says and thinks than what the: “politically correct” media and government says.
I’ll give you three words that describe from this passage of Scripture and the Bible at large that describe the biblically correct mother. Please remember this:
BI - “If you must make the choice between being politically correct or biblically correct mother, choose the Bible. What God says takes precedence over what man thinks every day.”
What are the three words I have chosen to describe the relationship between a mother, grandmother and their son and grandson Timothy in this passage? How do these three words testify to the fact that both mother and grandmother were biblically correct at the likelihood of being politically incorrect? Write down the first word. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were:
1. Sincere - “She possesses genuine faith in Christ that is transferrable to her own children.”
“unfeigned faith in thee, which first dwelt in thy grandmother Lois and mother Eunice…”
Paul was so impressed with the young man Timothy. In (1Tim. 1:2), Paul called him “my son in the faith.” In (2Tim. 1:2), he called him “my dearly beloved son.” Apparently, Paul led Timothy to faith in the Lord. The name “Timothy” means, “dear to God.” No doubt, Timothy was dear to God, but he was dear to Paul as well. Timothy is mentioned 28 times from Acts through Hebrews. He called Timothy his “workfellow” in (Rom. 16:21). When Paul sent Timothy to the church at Corinth, (1Cor. 4:17), he said that Timothy was his “beloved son, faithful in the Lord, and that he would remind them of Paul himself.”
Timothy possessed “unfeigned” faith. That is, his was “sincere” faith. When you saw Timothy, you didn’t wonder whether he was the real deal: he was and whole lot more! He was not perfect, but there was no hypocrisy with Timothy. What you saw is what you got. He was the same way every day. It didn’t matter where he was or whom he was around. He was the same genuine dedicated, born again believer. This says a lot for the Apostle and especially about Timothy.
Way to go Timothy! But wait: did anyone else have anything to do with his sincere faith in Jesus Christ? Yes, they did. It was his mother and grandmother. How do we know? We know because Paul said it first “dwelt” in them both. Interesting word, that word “dwelt.” It means to “inhabit.” Paul said:
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you, (Rom. 8:11).
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, (Col. 3:16).
Dear Christian mother, to be biblically correct instead of politically correct, be sincere in your faith. Don’t speak out of both sides of your mouth. Don’t straddle the fence. If you say you are a Christian: be one! Determine to live for Christ in such a way that people will know you’re sincere.
==> The first word that describes the biblically correct mother is “sincerity.” Timothy’s mother and grandmother were sincere. Timothy was the real deal because they were the real deal. The 2nd word that describes the biblically correct mother is:
2. Schooled - “She knows what she believes and teaches that to her children.”
Notice the phrase, “…I am persuaded that in thee also.” Timothy was “schooled” in the Christian faith by his mother and grandmother. They passed on their faith. They taught him practical, biblical principles. They discipled Timothy using the Bible, God’s true Word. Listen to what Paul said two chapters later.
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works, (2Tim. 3:15-17).
Mothers and Dads, it is not the school or church’s total responsibility to disciple your children. Discipleship begins at home. It’s in the home that they should to be taught how to read their Bible. It’s in the home that they should be taught how to pray. It’s in the home that they should learn that God has commandments and they are to live by them. It’s in the home that they should first hear that Jesus died on the cross for their sins. It’s in the home that they should be challenged to stay away from sin and that which is corrupt and to stay in church and hang around the right kind of people.
Children need to know from their parents how God views matters that are important to us. For example:
• How does God view wealth? The Bible says, “The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein,” (Psalm 24:1), “Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,” (James 1:16-17), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” (Mt. 6:33), and “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” (Mt. 6:20-21). Mom and Dads, we need to school them in these things.
• How Does God meet our needs? The Bible says, “Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity,” “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 4:14-16,18-19).
• How do we know which path to take? The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” (Prov. 3:5-6), “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble,” (Prov. 3:21-230.
==> The first word that describes the biblically correct mother is “sincerity.” Timothy’s mother and grandmother were sincere. Timothy was the real deal because they were the real deal. The 2nd word that describes the biblically correct mother is the word “schooled.” Not only is she schooled in the Christian faith, but she schools her children. The 3rd word that describes her is the word:
3. Standard - “She models Christian faith and sets the standard for the behavior of her children.”
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it, (Prov. 22:6).
ILL: My Christian Parents
One of the things I love about growing up a “Fox” is the behavior of my mother and dad. There were things we didn’t have to ask our parents. 1st, we didn’t have to ask if we were going to church. It was modeled for us. Our parents set the standard. The Fox family was, “Three to Thrive.” We went to church Sunday morning, Sun Evening and Wednesday evening. Come Sunday morning, you rolled out of the bed or were rolled out.
We went to church Sunday morning, but the afternoons were ours to roam and play. However, at some point Sunday afternoon, the car horn blew or Dad’s call came (I mean a yell). Cell phones didn’t exist. We ran home, cleaned up or dried off, jumped in the car and went to church as a family. I have my parents to thank for being faithful in church today. They set the pattern. They set the standard.
APP: Parents, you may not have had that standard modeled for you, but if you want your children to be faithful to church, you have to set the standard. You are modeling to them what you think is important.
But, that’s not all. My precious mother was home with the Fox kids. By the end, there were six of us. Dad worked most of the time. Mom was the keeper of the castle, and she did that too. Not only did she teach us to clean house, She’d clean house when it needed it, (if you know what I mean). She taught us how to behave.
We’d go to school and sometimes to church and pick up something someone said and bring it home. Without even thinking, we’d “spill the beans” right in front of Mom mostly. We knew we’d said something wrong when we got “the look.” Y’all know what I’m talking about? It carried the expression, “What did you say?” Sometimes the “look” even came with words. Mom would say something like, “We don’t talk like that in this house. Don’t say that again or else…” If you were raised that way you knew not to ask, “Or else what?” She’d show you.
Maybe you didn’t grow up in that kind of atmosphere, but I did. Whether you did or not listen, “You are the mother now. You’re the father now. The way you lead your children determines how they will lead their family someday.” Scary thought, huh?
When we were young, Mom and Dad would help us say our prayers before we went to bed. It was a simple prayer. Some of you know it because your Mom or Dad led you in it too. “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless, Mommy and Daddy, etc.” We’d add our siblings to the list, if we weren’t mad at them, and cap it with “Amen.” Off to sleep we’d go.
Timothy’s Mother and Grandmother set the standard for him. Timothy was a pastor and bishop of churches. He was a responsible man of God. That was not accidental. He didn’t just “overcome the obstacles” to become the great person he was, he was led down that path by two faithful Christian women who set the standard for him. By the way, there is no mention that Timothy’s Dad was a Christian. We don’t know what he contributed to young Timothy’s life.
APP: Single Mothers Can Make a Difference!
Maybe you’re a single Mother. If you are, that means you’re raising your children by yourself. You’re doing double duty. You work to support your family. You’re taking the place of Mom and Dad in the home. You’re raising them to be the best they can be. You’re doing your best and trying to figure out what to do next. Here’s a clue,
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine, (Prov. 3:1-10).
I want you to know that God knows and cares about you and your family. Keep doing right! Keep pushing forward! Set the standard for your children. Let them see it modeled in the way you live, love, and serve the Lord. They are reading you loud and clear! They see how you live. How you live tells them what you believe about God. Set the standard for them.
==> The first word that describes the biblically correct mother is “sincerity.” Timothy’s mother and grandmother were sincere in their faith. Timothy was the real deal because they were the real deal. The 2nd word that describes the biblically correct mother is the word “schooled.” Not only were they schooled in the Christian faith, but they taught that faith to Timothy. The 3rd word that describes her is the word “standard.” They set the standard of truth in the home for their children.
Dorothy Law Nolte’s work, “Children Learn What They Live,” remind us just how important the roles of parent are to their children. Listen:
If a child lives with criticism,
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.
A sermon called The Divine Family, author unknown.
BI - “If you must make the choice between being politically correct or biblically correct mother, choose the Bible. What God says takes precedence over what man thinks every day.”
