Does the world really want TOLERANCE from Christians?

What is the secular world looking for from Christians? Is it tolerance? I hear tolerance proclaimed, shouted, announced, trumpeted, broadcast, displayed, and advertised all around me. In fact, as Christians, we are even labeled to be intolerant. We are labeled as intolerant of lifestyles and choices. Is it true? Are we, as followers of Christ, intolerant of lifestyles and choices made by others?

Well, let's take a look at what the word "tolerance" has traditionally meant...
1. The power or capacity of enduring; the act of enduring; endurance.
2. The endurance of the presence or actions of objectionable persons, or of the expression of offensive opinions; toleration. (www.definition.net)

Are we intolerant? Absolutely not! We acknowledge that we live in a fallen world. Do we expect all to live according to Christ's teachings? It would be wonderful, and someday that will be reality, but currently no Bible-believing Christian expects that. We endure...we tolerate. If we are living as Christ would have us live, we are not only tolerating, but also loving these people. We do not, however, endorse their actions. It seems this endorsement is really what the world is looking for, not our tolerance! The world's definition of "tolerance" is changing.

The world is asking us to conform. It strives and has succeeded in reversing the roles. While we are not forcing others to come to belief in Christ, the world is seeking to force its belief systems on us. We are considered intolerant and hateful if we don't support abortion, homosexuality, and all of the other different sexual orientations. The world contends that these lifestyles and choices aren't wrong, because truth is relative and there is no firm right and wrong. Isn't it funny, though, that the world tells us we're wrong? Wrong and ignorant to believe the way we do. Does that mean that the world is right? Wait a second...did they just define truth (in their own errant judgment)?

This hypocrisy is ludicrous! The secular world isn't asking for our tolerance, they are asking for our approval and commendation. Tolerance and love for people, we will give. Approval, support, and commendation, we can not!

During election times, these issues are most flamboyant! We must continue to vote for our beliefs, as we are accountable to God for our actions!

Tolerate?......YES!
Love the person?......YES!
Support the choices/lifestyle?......NO!

We will not be deceived...there is TRUTH, and Jesus Christ is it!

John 15:9 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you."

Romans 12:12 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

He never lets go...

It has finally happened. My children are all in school and it is hard to explain how I feel. I am filled with joy for them as these are exciting times, but my heart recalls how they felt in my arms, totally and utterly dependent on me. While they still rely on me, it is in a different kind of way.

It is hard to let someone else have such a significant influence on your child. I am, however, thankful for the teachers they have and will be praying for them daily. In some ways, I have to let go. Let go of the illusion of complete control...let go of the peace of mind I had knowing where they were and what they were doing every second...let go of just their physical presence at all times.

As I was driving away from the school this morning, tears began to fall. It's hard to let go. I turned on the radio to hear "Oh, no...You never let go!". It was such a comfort to know that while I had to let go for awhile, God never does! He does not let them go and I can rest assured knowing that He has them, even when I don't.

It has been a bittersweet day. But I am so thankful, "for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day (2 Tim 1:12)."

Even while looking at the verse in this context, I realize that these beautiful girls aren't truly ours to begin with, it is He who has entrusted us to raise these girls. We acknowledge this and entrust them back to Him...they are, now and always, His! That is a fact I can take comfort in, because there is no greater Father!