The intolerance of tolerance
Truth is never afraid of a challenge because it withstands the test, but today’s brand of tolerance has retreated into blatant censure and, paradoxically, intolerance.
For centuries, tolerance meant respect for other people who disagreed with you or vice-versa. It was an attitude allowing freedom of expression and healthy, truth-seeking discussion. However, the number of those who prefer to suppress conversation about truth in the name of tolerance is increasing exponentially. Driven by fear, modern tolerance seeks to destroy disagreement by aggressively mischaracterizing any opposing view as “offensive” and then marginalizing those who hold to it – particularly God’s truth.
Even though our nation was founded on biblical principles and religious tolerance, increasingly and ironically, Christians are being targeted and mislabeled as intolerant bigots by a society intent on systematically silencing anyone and eliminating anything that questions its lifestyle or moral choices. It grieves me deeply to witness this widespread mistreatment and aggression.
God’s truth is, by nature, offensive as it holds error up to the light and pierces deeply into the heart to convict and reveal. But if we will allow it to work within us, God’s truth is also powerfully transformative as it rescues, corrects, changes and restores. In spite of all the craziness we see around us, the firm foundation of the Lord stands. God’s throne is set in heaven. His Kingdom is unshakable. His Word is alive. His-story is not yet finished.
So what are we to do? We stand firm on the eternal truth of God’s Word – even when ridiculed or persecuted. We speak the truth in love – even in the face of hate. We continue to be salt and light in a world becoming increasingly dark and distasteful. We show grace and mercy. We remember what it was like to be trapped in darkness. We proclaim the Good News. We love our enemies. We go the second mile. We pray for our leaders. We seek to live in peace with everyone. We fear God rather than man or the punishment of man. We never ever forget that Jesus is the answer and, if we remain silent, the Enemy will gladly fill in the blanks.
“Violating God’s Word only ends up proving it, not destroying it; and those who have tried to bury it, find that the Bible always rises up to outlive her pallbearers” (Ravi Zacharias).
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8 NASB).
Spread the Word!
© 2016 Tim McKenzie
On Every Word Ministries
www.OnEveryWord.com
