Being Politically Correct

Though I am easy going and polite, I have not been known to be politically correct all of the time because I tend to say the truth with a smile. Because of this quality which was shaped by my father’s strict upbringing, I don’t even know how many friends I have lost. And I have not said much! I will begin to say a lot here from now on. I am not afriad of anybody anymore. I do not depend on Christians or churches for my livelihood. The Apostle Paul was like that too. He would rather work as a “secular” worker for his living than to be dependent on the churches he founded. The ministry to hhim was a calling, not a career advantage that comes with the calling. Jesus worked as a carpenter till He was 30 years old. And then only ministered for three years. (remember “His yoke is easy”? Who can build a more perfectly fitted yoke than a master carpenter, Jesus? )

Most people in the ministry feel they need to be PC to keep their positions. Usually they tell (in a PC way) everybody else their (sacred and respectable) opinions about you but you. Most of these are cowardly Christians, I would think. I have more meaningful interactions with friends that are non Christians than Christians. (It takes on the average about five years for Christians to lose most non Christian friends because they surrendered themselves to the “fold,” protected from the world by their shepherds most of whom have no “secular” experience) I have led totally non-Christians to Christ when they would never go to church and be “conquered,” “controlled” and led to Christ there. I believe Jesus was like that too.

I think I am a good example of the marginalized. Not Chinese enough and not American enough; (Actually I am totally both, and proud of it) I have not been PC because I don’t need to. Because of my experiences and skills, not too many “Christian” people and churches can fit me into their boxes. A theologient who is also a professional musician? Is that a contradiction? I don’t think so. As a musician serving God, you better recognize that you are called to the ministry and you ought to know your theology like a pastor. And avoid like a plague using Pop Artist, merchandizing/marketing means to further your fame and fortune in the ministry. God is watching you. He will bless those whom you “serve” but He will judge you according to your means of ministry!!!

My positions as CCSF Professor of Music, (official title) Chairperson of Asian Study Department, having been trained as a Social Worker in clinical social work, my Chinese Outreach (broadcast pre-evangelism) experience, being fluent in English and Cantonese, lectured in Mandarin, and being pastor of primarily white churches for over 20 years has equiped me to minister in a particularly effective way. It has also marginalized me. I have always unintentionally became the most influential person in ministry at my places of service. (A sincere comment from one of my bosses, a senior pastor and well known seminary professor) Am I complaining? No way. I won’t trade my life with anybody. God knows who I am and who I am going to be. Praise Him, amen.