Stand on tolerance: important decision for Christians

BY ALAN F. COLLIER
PASTOR’S CORNER

In today’s world, especially in our own country, we hear the statement that we must be tolerant of everything. We are supposed to let anything that we don’t think is right or any situation that we may be put into because of our beliefs be pushed to the side, all in the name of being tolerant.

What does it mean to be tolerant? Webster’s Dictionary defines the word tolerant as having or showing tolerance of others’ beliefs and/or practices. It also gives the definition for the word tolerance as being tolerant of other views, beliefs, practices of others that differ from your own. It goes on to say, having freedom from bigotry or prejudice.

We also hear the statement that many people or groups are intolerant or practice intolerance. What does it mean to be intolerant? Webster’s defines intolerance as having a lack of tolerance, especially of others’ opinions and beliefs; bigotry.

It defines intolerant as being unwilling to tolerate other opinions, beliefs or persons of other races, background; being bigoted, illiberal.

I understand these definitions pretty well except for one word in the definition for intolerant.

That word is illiberal. Webster’s says illiberal means lacking a liberal education, without culture, unrefined, intolerant, bigoted, narrow-minded, not generous, stingy.

I guess by now you are asking yourself, “Where is he going with this?” I tell you. I have heard over the last 10 years that Christians should be or are not tolerant of others or of their beliefs.

Because of this coming from our government and from other religions, I don’t like that word because Christianity is not a religion, but it is the only word that fits. Christians have allowed the devil to use this to keep us and many churches/denominations from proclaiming the Gospel.

Satan wants us as Christians, the children of God, to be afraid to say or do anything that furthers the Kingdom of God. If he can achieve his goal then he has us right where he want us.

I Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” Peter is not talking to unbelievers, he is talking to us. Peter wants us to know that the devil wants to keep us boxed up in a corner, afraid to say anything against those who attack us.

When we need strength, do we look at the smallest, weakest person we can find? No, we want the biggest, strongest person so we can be encouraged and strengthened by their actions.

Where should we as Christians look? To the Bible, God’s Word. When we do that, we can see examples that will help us develop the strength we need to stand up against the attacks of the devil.

Jesus was not very popular with the religious leaders of His day. Neither were His disciples after Jesus returned to heaven. Why? Because they were men who would not back down to the pressure of those leaders to be quiet about their faith in our risen Savior Jesus Christ.

Many times Jesus was threatened with death because He would not compromise His message. Paul and all the disciples, except for John, were killed because they would not change their message or stop living the life that Christ had told and showed them.

Many Christians/churches today have fallen into Satan’s trap. That trap is trying to practice being tolerant of others and their beliefs. Now, there is nothing wrong with being respectful of others and their beliefs. That doesn’t mean that we are to keep our mouths shut about what we believe.

I have read where many Christians are now compromising, in the name of being tolerant, God’s Word, in saying that what other religions believe and do are only their way of getting to Heaven and God. I’m sorry, but if that is what it means to be tolerant, then I am intolerant.

Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The Bible teaches that we as Christians are to strive to be Christlike. When it comes to getting to Heaven and spending eternity with God I guess, according to today’s standards, Jesus would be considered intolerant. If that is the case, then so am I.

II Timothy 1:7 tells us that God has not given us the spirit of fear but one of power, love, and sound judgment. Christian, it is time for us to boldly stand up against the attacks that are being waged on us today. We must stand in the power of Jesus and in His love for all mankind and share the Gospel, no matter if others think we are intolerant or not.

The Rev. Alan Collier is the founder of From the Bible Ministries. You may contact him by email at alancollierministries@gmail.com or by writing to him at P.O. Box 36, Big Stone Gap, Va. 24219.