The Tolerance Shift

Scripture tells us to shine our light into the world. Luke tells us that all secrets will eventually be brought into the open. Everything concealed will be brought to light and be made known to all. I believe he is telling us that when the light of truth about Jesus shines within us, we are to shine the light so others can see it. Especially now when the world seems so full of darkness and evil. 

Let’s face it; when things are going well, it is easier to shine our light. Sadly, in today’s world, much has been turned around, and not all that appears to be light is truth, and not all that seems good is Godly. It’s easy to want to hide and not speak out. The world is shaming us for our beliefs and wants us to do just that—hide. But now, as the world argues for the right for women to choose abortion, we must stop hiding and speak out. 

Let’s dig into this conversation about shining God’s light in the world today, especially regarding tolerance and how the definition of tolerance has shifted. I believe it’s time to make another shift with an attitude that embraces God’s love and patience. Agree or disagree, I hope you’ll stay with me for this critical conversation. 

I’ve learned to filter much of the information presented in our world today. So many voices can lead us astray. So many”spiritual” approaches in society use Biblically-based concepts and words, but they twist them, so they are no longer God’s truth. Though these concepts and terms can be similar, it is a mistake to assume they are the same. Not all things spiritual are Biblical, just as not all things you will hear from the pulpit or your Christian friends are true. 

When we talk about human rights, many people look the other way when exposed to things outside their understanding or comfort zone. Some people avoid entirely conversations with people who disagree with their beliefs. We lose our ability to understand where they are coming from when we no longer listen, reducing our opportunities to share God’s truth. I found I can be friends with and genuinely care about someone whose ideology I can’t entirely agree with. That doesn’t mean I need to support their way, nor does it mean I need to further their agenda. It simply means I can love others where they are, knowing that God can and will open their eyes to His ways through my words and actions IF He chooses to do so. 

There are so many social issues today that we can address as a part of this conversation—those of abortion, gay rights, discrimination, and human trafficking, to name a few. We, as Christians, cannot continue to close our eyes and ignore these things. They do not stand for truth, peace, justice, and morality, and one day we will discover the world we know and love will be gone if we ignore them. It is time we wake up and see these things we accept in this world simply to get along for what they are, a pathway that leads us away from God and the life He wants us to live.

It’s an uncomfortable conversation, but we as Christians can no longer ignore it. Few agree on the boundaries between sin, crimes, and social norms. In today’s culture, we are considered judgmental if we call sin what it is, sin. Few feel that society’s restrictions apply to them, much less the moral laws of the Bible. It’s a foundational problem in our world today. Far too many have adopted the attitude that everyone should do their own thing and that no one should question what others do. If someone thinks of suggesting a behavior is inappropriate, the person is labeled as a racist or bigot with little regard to whether it is true. 

People don’t want to be held accountable, and they rarely want to hold others responsible. In this “do what feels good” society, we allow hurtful behaviors, unkind comments, and inappropriate actions, all in the name of getting along and being tolerant. 

Paul describes sin as follows, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear, sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these” (Galatians 5:19). We don’t consider many of these crimes today, but it doesn’t have to be a crime to know it’s not Godly. If you love Jesus, you will love His Word and will want to pay heed to this warning. 

By the world’s standards, most of these actions aren’t worth mentioning; some are considered a lifestyle choice, and frankly, others are considered a part of everyday life. All of us are guilty of one or more of these things in one context or another. Sadly, we often look at others’ behaviors, judge them, and then conclude that we are OK because the other person’s actions are so much worse than ours.  

This verse is an excellent reminder of our need to be in Scripture, so we know God’s will. Otherwise, we will be led to believe what the world says is moral and just. That, friend, is the risk of following along with others. Some of these things mentioned seem innocent enough, but many are the gateway to darker evils. Some are much darker than most of us are prepared to deal with, such as pornography, infidelity, addiction, abuse, neglect, and even murder. 

In Matthew 7:15, Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart.” Our world is full of wolves in sheep’s clothing who have a plan to destroy everything good in our lives. 

As a society, we want to believe that someone’s decision to sin is harmless if it doesn’t directly hurt someone else. That can be short-sighted. Some things should not be accepted in mainstream society. For example, a few years ago, I spoke to a friend about proposed legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage. She was concerned about what doors such changes would open. I thought the people talking about those things were too radical in their assumptions, and I disregarded her comments. 

Here we are today. Almost every one of my friend’s predictions has become a reality. We have pending legislation throughout our country to legalize pedophilia, child pornography, and full-term abortions. In addition, many want to reduce the age of consent to protect sexual predators, and they want to decriminalize felons. With these changes, we let everything that stands for morality as defined by Scripture slip away, and we aren’t even batting an eye. These things are against everything Jesus warned about in the Bible. Well-meaning Christians are supporting them in the name of tolerance. It’s a lie, and it is time to look at the reality of how these practices will damage society. 

It’s difficult not to want to point out the sin and the sinner and fix the “problem,” I know. I understand that some may be offended by even saying this, but I hope you stay with me. I recently did a Bible Study using the book Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up by Matthew Richard. In it, he explains how “tolerance used to mean the ability of another person to put up with another point of view, even though they disagreed with it.” Richard shows how the word tolerance has evolved in culture today. It now means “that a person should not only put up with another person’s point of view, but must also celebrate, enable, and promote that person’s point of view, regardless of whether one agrees. Any opposition to this modern view of tolerance is immediately viewed as hateful and not loving.” 

By today’s standards, if we don’t fully embrace everyone else’s ideas, we are intolerant and hateful. Ironically, the people trying to bring God’s order and true love into the world are viewed as trying to ruin the world’s self-created fantasy that God’s love is to pretend there is no judgment and there is no hell. Satan is a clever guy; there’s no doubt. He has created quite a stir in today’s world, where many have bought into the Progressive Christianity movement lock, stock, and barrel. It’s true that masses of people and some churches have stepped away from Biblical truth and bought off entirely on the idea that being politically correct is more important than being Biblically accurate. It is heartbreaking to see many who claim to be Christ-followers reject God’s truth. 

The thought that those who love the Word and try to share it with everyone are hateful is laughable. We are accused of living sheltered lives, of being judgmental and ignorant. But I’d be naive to think that isn’t true in many cases. Sadly, many well-meaning Christians are going about it all wrong. They are committing some of the very sins I mentioned from Galatians 5 earlier to make their point about others’ sins. Who hasn’t witnessed Christians doing these things in person, on television, or social media? 

• being hostile and quarrelsome, 
• displaying outbursts of anger and dissension, or
• creating division. 

I get it, there are some critical issues, and we feel strongly about them. It’s hard not to feel passionate about them. 

But remember what Jesus did when the woman was accused of committing adultery. “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” Every one of her accusers slipped away. Not one stayed to convict that woman. It’s an essential lesson in compassion and forgiveness. One we all need to remember, especially during these difficult times when passions are high, and anger abounds. 

In Romans beginning in Chapter 2, Paul writes about the wicked of the world, saying, “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things… Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?… Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”

The reality is we are saved by faith and our relationship with Jesus. We can hide in our tornado shelter and stay safe until this storm passes. Or we can speak out and help others learn about Jesus so they, too, can have a relationship that creates a better life while we are here—one that ensures eternal salvation. 

You may fear losing friends and loved ones if you speak out against these things so readily accepted by society, but Christ commissions us to invite as many people into the fold as possible. That takes courage, and it takes a love that is bigger than ourselves. When you think about it, is the fear of losing earthly friends and family worth losing them eternally? 

The bullies of this world have caused us to hold our tongue for fear of their wrath, but it’s time we speak out. That doesn’t mean that everyone has to start a podcast or start an ad campaign, but it does mean speaking up for truth in our everyday conversations. It means challenging people when they say something against the morals and beliefs described in Scripture that we hold dear. 

It can be scary, I know. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. The Holy Spirit will guide you. He will not only compel you to speak when the time is right, He will provide the words to say. Seek the wisdom provided in Scripture before you do anything. Don’t go off your memory of what might be God’s truth, and certainly don’t blindly follow what someone else is telling you is correct. Please read it for yourself. 

Then, when you get the opportunity to speak out over a cup of coffee with a friend or a casual conversation with your family, you can point them back to God’s Word. You won’t have to rely on your personal belief, which may or may not be accurate. 

It is time that we, the silent majority, find our voice and speak out. It’s time we put our light on the tabletop and stand up for God’s truth. 

It’s time we shift our perspective on tolerance and change the definition back to what it once was. It’s time we regain the ability to put up with another point of view, even though we disagree with it. It’s time we bring our world back to civility and morality. 

Before you decide that this is not for you, I ask you to remember that God has chosen us as His very own, and we are called to represent Him to others. If we are afraid to do so or simply decide not to, we will be judged accordingly. To share Christ with others, even the most unlovable in our society, is the greatest act of love we can make. 

We, as Christians, are called to embrace people living all sinful behaviors. We are to open our hearts to show them love and forgiveness without compromising our position on their behaviors. We must acknowledge the sin but love the sinner, which means always being kind, using gentle words, and showing love in our actions. It means being respectful in our conversations. Even when we are angry or afraid, it means being purposeful and never hurtful in our discussions or activities. We must show one another God’s love and forgiveness and remind everyone that He welcomes all of us regardless of our past actions or lifestyle. The best part is, when we recognize our sin, He even gives us the strength to carry through with our intentions to change. 

We are reminded again that the Bible promises that God will transform us into a new person by changing the way we think (Romans 12:2). When we test the things of this world against God’s Word, we will see what His will is for us and our lives. We will need to take a stand against the things of this world, not by violence and hatred, but by sharing God’s truth with others and by sharing the good news of Jesus’ forgiveness with them. We can only do this in our relationship with Jesus and the people He brings into our lives. 

In reality, we can’t fix any of the challenges in our society on our own. It isn’t our job to do what only God can do. We can, however, attempt to lead people to the truth. We can love and support one another as we encourage them to reconnect with the one thing that will bring them true peace in their lives; in all our lives. We must all be strong and courageous as we shine our light into the world and battle against sin and evil. We must never give up. 

If you found value in this post, I hope you will share it with someone who may need to hear this message. To dig even deeper, you may want to check out the chapter by the same title in my book, A Different View. 

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