Tolerance

I suppose tolerance could be the one virtue that is esteemed above all others. However, "tolerance" isn't always a good thing! Sound contradictory? Let me explain. Traditional virtues such as humility, chastity, and temperance have long fallen out of public favor, and in some circles, are openly ridiculed. Acts once universally labeled “immoral” and “ungodly” are now celebrated under the guise of “tolerance”. Abortion, homosexuality, and pornography are today championed by dozens of liberal advocacy groups and praised by the mainstream media. Marital infidelity and divorce are so common in our present-day society that few families have escaped its bitter consequences. Is this the kind of tolerance Christians are supposed to embrace?

Liberals revere tolerance. They practically worship it. It’s like a religion to them. I believe, in general, that liberals are not actually tolerant. Liberals tolerate only what they want to tolerate. They tolerate things they agree with—which, of course, isn’t tolerance. Tolerance is about accepting the often-difficult differences between you and someone you strongly disagree with and respecting that person’s right to an opposing point of view. Liberals are relentless in denouncing, demonizing, boycotting, attacking, picketing, prosecuting, suing, fining, and even threatening to jail people who disagree with them on same-sex marriage! Tolerance? I read something on the Internet that backs what I'm saying. I need to share it!
If your family owns a barn in New York (or elsewhere) and declines to rent it to a gay couple for a wedding ceremony because such an arrangement violates your religious beliefs and freedom, liberals will fine you $13,000. If you’re Elaine Photography in New Mexico and beg not to photograph a same-sex wedding, liberals will sue you. If you are the Kleins in Oregon and plead not to make a cake for a same-sex ceremony, you will be picketed, hauled before state commissions, and have your livelihood ruined by liberals. If you are Jack Phillips, a baker in Colorado, or a florist in any number of states, who likewise prefers not to service same-sex events, you will be threatened with imprisonment. If you are the owner of Chick-fil-A or other businesses, and you dare admit that you’re against redefining marriage because you believe your God says you can’t, liberals literally will assert at your death that Jesus is going to send you to hell. I could go on and on.

As the socially “enlightened ones” preach to the masses about being tolerant of those “different” than us, they are in fact the most “intolerant” of all people. Think for a minute. These same individuals are intolerant of those who hold to and embrace New Testament Christianity. In their “demands” of tolerance from people, they themselves cannot tolerate anyone who holds to the doctrine of Christ. They refuse to accept those who believe in “one body” and “one spirit”; those who preach “one hope”; those who declare the truth that there is but “One Lord, one faith, one baptism …” (Ephesians 4:4-6). These “tolerant ones” cannot tolerate anyone who dares to believe in the inspired Word of God as the sole source of truth and authority (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). They are “intolerant” of those who live by a morality based upon God’s divine will. These folks believe that being a child of God automatically makes one “intolerant”, dangerous and in need of “sensitivity training” so that we might become as “tolerant” as they.

As a believer, the most disturbing thing is, as the world goes, soon the Church follows. There are many within the Body of Christ (The Church) who have now taken up this twisted banner of “tolerance”, embracing those denominations and accepting their false teachings. They draw in thousands under the heading of diversity, tolerance, and love. It is the absolute teaching of Christ to love the sinner, but not the sin! We cannot condone what Christ condemns. Like those in the post-modern world, these “tolerant ones” who are being exposed within the church are very INTOLERANT toward those who challenge them. Labeling those they judge to be intolerant as “traditional” and “legalistic”, they look upon all who demand book, chapter and verse as “dangerous” to the spirit of the Bible and the cause of Christ. Unfortunately, as predicted by the apostle Paul, there has been a shift, a "falling away" from the principals and doctrine of Christ. Scripture tells us, " But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber." 2 Peter 2:1-3.

I conclude that we must not only reject the “post-modern” value of “tolerance”, we must also reject these “enlightened ones” in the church of our Lord. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of being “tolerant” to those in error, we must hold fast to, “the form of sound words …” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). We have a duty to faithfully guard the treasure of truth entrusted to us (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; Titus 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:4) against all – both outside and inside the church. We must stand strong "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13. Stand your ground, speak up when needed, hold fast to what Jesus taught, so that you as Paul will have the confidence to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." If faithful Christians do not stand their ground– then who will?

Until next time,
-Pat-