Courageous Contestant vs. Pitiful Pastor

Miss California Carrie Prejean made worldwide headlines today during the Miss USA pageant. The most interesting part is that the attention given to her wasn't for winning, but for sharing her convictions when challenged. She was specifically asked her views on the issue of gay marriage on live worldwide television...by a judge who is both gay and outspokenly aggressive and liberal (in the followup to this matter, the judge swore at Carrie Prejean via an enraged video blog). Although caught off guard, Miss Prejean responded to the question by stating "I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman." Though her comments seemingly cost her the crown, she later stood by her convictions stating "I was raised in a way that you can never compromise your beliefs and your opinions for anything." Contrast this scenario with that of pastor and author Rick Warren in recent weeks. Rick Warren is respected by many as a visible Christians leader, who only months ago stood firmly against gay marriage only to later recant and claim to be in favor of gay marriage, with no explanation for his change of mind. It is a sad world we live in when pastors lack courage and moral integrity to stand firm on what God's Word so clearly teaches. What is more important to you? Political correctness or biblical correctness? Are you prepared to suffer for your love of Christ? Or will you cower, recant, and withdraw when faced with opposition to the cross of Christ? It is my prayer that I may courageously defend my Lord when the opportunities arise and that He raise up more examples of Christians such as Carrie Prejean to do the same, even when the attack is least expected. "The pastor should stand ready to define, defend, and document his own deep convictions" - Dr. Albert Mohler in He Is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World "If there is no controversy to your ministry, there is probably very little content to your preaching." - Dr. Albert Mohler in He Is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World 1 Peter 3:13-17 "13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.' 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."