Live on Purpose

I shared this Sunday with my congregation and in light of the events of the day thought I would share with you…

Not long ago, the word ‘tolerance’ meant ‘bearing or putting up with someone or something not especially liked.’ But, now the word has been redefined to ‘all values, all beliefs, all lifestyles, all truth claims are equal’.
Denying this makes a person ‘intolerant’, and so worthy of contempt!
So where does this leave Christians?
John 14:6 Jesus said, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me!
Acts 4:10-12 It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’[a]
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
This week a person made some statements about same sex marriage and his personal, Biblically based beliefs. President of Chick Fil A Dan Cathy simply voiced his opinion which is based on the truth of the Word of God. The result is a backlash from gay rights activists and mayors of cities and so on and so forth.
What happened? A man gave his opinion that differed with the politically correct view of the day and now he and his company is being vilified! Simply for having an opinion! I have read over and over this week from people in media and on fb and twitter and even friends of mine that are homosexual – they all basically say that this man and anyone who believes like him is crazy and has been living in a cave for our whole lives. That Jesus was tolerant and loving of all people!
Now don’t get me wrong. GOD is LOVE! But God is anything but tolerant!
Romans 5:8 reminds us But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. So while I do agree that God loves everyone and so therefore so should I – I don’t agree that God is tolerant and everyone’s choice is ok with him! The Bible is clear that Christianity is a relationship of love and INTOLERANCE! Sin is sin. While I love those who differ in their opinion on marriage and defend their right to believe it, I don’t have to agree with them just because it is “politically correct to do so.”
Remembering what Paul said in Ephesians, we have to remember where are battle is (not against flesh and blood) so we must also model Jesus as we defend truth. We must do it in love but with conviction! Just because I don’t agree with your position doesn’t mean I don’t love you! REALLY! I do love you!
Those claiming a loving, tolerant Jesus simply don’t know and understand scripture! The Jesus I see working in scripture loved all – hung out with all – ministered to all – but he also caused CHANGE in people – and that is what our society today misses! He didn’t “tolerate” everyone’s belief – he changed them to where they believe in HIM! (Zacheeus, woman at well, woman caught in adultery…)
We are living in a time when we must put on the armor of God – which includes the belt of TRUTH and we must love without prejudice, but we must not tolerate things that are in direct opposition to God and His Word!
Paul’s instruction for his friend and fellow pastor, Timothy, are words that we must all heed today.
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction.”