A number of years ago one of my coworkers went to the hospital thinking she had the flu. Instead she found out she had cancer and less than a month to live. It was shocking to say the least.

All my non-Christian co-workers and I went to the funeral. We were grieving our friend. And yet, the funeral was about the pastor’s personal agendas–about evolution and politics and everything else.

My coworkers were angry. I was angry.

This was not the time for that. We wanted to bury our friend in peace. We wanted to remember her. Not hear his agendas.

I feel the same with Harrison Butker. While I respect his courage to speak up on issues, a graduation commencement is not the place for it. It’s a set apart event. A celebration.

And if you read the full text, it is not just about a woman’s highest joy being a wife and mother. But it is rather political. Not that I’m debating whether what he said was right or wrong.

But it’s like a wedding. Can you image the person marrying you going into a political rant at your wedding? Especially if it was not of your beliefs?

It’s the same at the funeral. It’s something important. Set aside. To be honored. That pastor was so wrong with our friend.

Special days like graduations are holy days. People sacrificed hard to get here. The goal is to inspire the next generation and celebrate their accomplishments. Not making political statements.

It’s about timing. Even Jesus was about timing. And Butker missed the mark on this one.

Yes, glad for the courage. Glad for men who stand up.

But if I’m honest, it puts me right back at the funeral. Where the pastor missed the point and alienated many and not for right reasons.

Dear pastors.

Be bold.

Be courageous.

But don’t defile the holy to do so.