Correctness

It is understandable that our Vice President would be concerned about his family’s health. We all are. It is refreshing to have heard his candid remarks as to how he would suggest his family protect themselves from exposure to the new influenza virus.

It is disconcerting to observe how quickly the White House squelched his refreshing candor. It was crushing to watch his forced ride on the train to reinforce the squelch.

It brings “Political Correctness” to an entirely new level.

The disciples faced squelching, too – imprisonment for their ministry:

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. (Acts 5:18-20 KJV)

And, they did so. Their ‘prison break’ was not the usual run and hide. Instead, they stood outside the temple as instructed. It became more than obvious that the disciples were not concerned about political correctness. It became evident to the court that sentenced them:

Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. (Acts 5:25 KJV)

Easy to find, the disciples were picked up in front of a crowd. Taken into custody calmly, then brought before their judges, who asked:

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. (Acts 5:28 KJV)

Peter’s answer was so to the point. No condemnation about how Christ’s blood was spilt. No accusations, no defensiveness. Just a simple statement of truth:

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29 KJV)

Peter went on to repeat God’s message. The hearers had but one response:

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. (Acts 5:33 KJV)

How does mankind respond to God’s biblical truth today? Often, in the same way. Perhaps they could learn from Gamaliel’s counsel:

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:38-39 KJV)