June 15 Tolerance? Matthew 7:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)
In today’s world, much is spoken about tolerance! We are told, by individuals that are completely opposed to common sense values and behaviors, that we are to accept their “unique” perspectives and beliefs and that we are to adopt their way of thinking, in order to be “Tolerant!” Just a few days ago, a North Carolina native won an acting award, and he/she/they/them, was the first “non-binary” individual to win this prestigious award. Dear Friends, what goes on in the minds of individuals that expect everyone to simply accept the behaviors and messages that are opposed to basic common standards of behavior and decency? It is a difficult task to be tolerant of behaviors that are completely opposed to your standards of faith and beliefs! Recently, I was called upon to counsel with a group of individuals that were dealing with a child that identified as female yet was born male! Wow! How was I to express the Love and Tolerance of the Love of Jesus, while dealing with this unsustainable belief process? Let me state this clearly, when a child (in this case, under 9 years old) declares that they identify as a female, although born male, there has been some adult influencing going on! Sadly, parents, leaders, and prominent persons are promoting the “I FEEL” mentality, and using that same process, I could identify as a “Buick,” and expect to go to a garage for a physical! FACT: A cat can have kittens in an oven, but it DOES NOT make them Biscuits! Perception, Reality, are fluid concepts in our modern world! I choose to follow my Lord, and to live my life, committed to HIS teachings and precepts, and witness to those who have adopted an alternative perception of life! 1 Peter 3:15 is an excellent scripture to build a foundation of “Tolerance!” “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” My purpose is to share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, and that requires to Love my Neighbor, even though they are acting contrary to any standards of decency and decorum. How difficult it is for the Christian to navigate through this world! My Daddy used to tell me that I was to speak with authority without arrogance, and to live my life so that others could see Jesus in me. He added, that living a life committed to Jesus would create “Heartburn” for Satan and he would do anything possible to stifle your witness and the sharing of God’s Word! HE WAS SO CORRECT! Look around! This world is rapidly becoming a cesspool of twisted and perverted thoughts and behaviors! How are we to tolerate this invasion of our lives? How about Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!