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Elephant in the Room: Going Woke

May 7, 2023 • Pastor Ron Hoffman

God's Freedom, God-Given Freedom, and the Word of God

As Christians, we must stand for justice, freedom, and equality, following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for these principles, which are rooted in biblical truth. It is essential that we revisit the core values of the original "woke" movement and differentiate them from the distorted version we see today.

Galatians 5:1 states, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." God wants us to experience freedom, but not at the expense of others. We must strive for a society that treats everyone fairly and justly, regardless of their race or background.

Dr. King's vision was one of unity and equal opportunity for all. Sadly, the term "woke" has been hijacked by various groups with different agendas, leading to division and confusion. We must remember the essence of the original movement, rooted in godly justice and love for our neighbors, as commanded in Mark 12:31, "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

As Christians, we must discern between the truth and the lies. Matthew 7:15-20 warns us about false prophets and their fruits, urging us to recognize them by the outcomes of their actions. The original woke movement aimed to fight for moral justice, peace, and unity. In contrast, the hijacked version promotes division, hatred, and a distorted sense of justice.

In our pursuit of equality, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of favoring one group over another based on superficial factors like race or background. Romans 2:11 reminds us, "For God does not show favoritism." We must embrace the biblical principle of equal opportunity for all, regardless of their circumstances.

The concept of inclusion, while noble in its intentions, can become problematic when it requires us to accept beliefs and practices that go against our faith. We must be cautious not to compromise our Christian values in the name of inclusion.

As Christians, we must stand firm in our pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom, guided by the Word of God. We must seek to understand the original intentions behind movements like "woke" and remain vigilant against those who would manipulate and distort them for personal gain. By doing so, we can work towards a more loving, unified, and just society for all.