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Don't Rock the Boat

Hardly a week goes by when I hear or read something on/in the “News” that sounds like this.

“___________ will not be allowed in this school or park, because “this minority has taken offense” or “we think that someone might be offended.”

Just the anticipation that someone might be offended immobilizes any action be taken that otherwise might be taken.

People have figured out that if they yell or complain they will get their own way.

It is a means of blackmail by threat.

A few years ago a Christian Publishing house was being sued by a church. I talked with the leaders of the local church that they should not do this based upon 1 Corinthians 6:4-8.

“Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.” 1 Corinthians 6:4-8

Not only would they continue their suit but they would sue the publishing house in every city and town in the country. As I understood it the publishing house settled out of court because they could not afford to defend against that many lawsuits.

This kind of pressure and threat is a temptation for Christians to be quiet, anemic, beige “don’t rock the boat”, too polite, and compromising.

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