Tolerance is annoying.
Not because of the concept, itself, but because we just can't seem to get it right.
We tolerate those whose attitudes and opinions reflect our own.
We can't stand those who present a conflict. And then we call them intolerant.
Will you allow me to be blunt for a moment?
Christians get the shortest end of the toleration stick.
With prayer removed from schools and "freedom" of speech, if you are a Christian, being attacked left and right, the debate regarding separation of church and state is at an all-time high.
Dare I even broach the whole Chick-Fil-A issue?
But let's be honest, Christians also have a rap for being among the most intolerant people on the planet.
Christians are known to hate gays, picket abortion clinics, proclaim "purity" of races through separation (also known as blatant racism for those of you who join me in tossing out soft-bellied "Politically Correct" speech), commit genocide in the name of our Savior and ashamedly much more.
So, what is it that sets us apart from non-Christians? What should make someone want to learn about and accept the God we claim to love?
Here's my proposal:
We stop tolerating any and everything that comes our way.
Dare I even broach the whole Chick-Fil-A issue?
But let's be honest, Christians also have a rap for being among the most intolerant people on the planet.
Christians are known to hate gays, picket abortion clinics, proclaim "purity" of races through separation (also known as blatant racism for those of you who join me in tossing out soft-bellied "Politically Correct" speech), commit genocide in the name of our Savior and ashamedly much more.
So, what is it that sets us apart from non-Christians? What should make someone want to learn about and accept the God we claim to love?
Here's my proposal:
We stop tolerating any and everything that comes our way.
We stop tolerating these alternative lifestyles and the things we know are in direct conflict with what is found in the Bible.
Switch it up, change the approach.
Introduce love, instead.
Switch it up, change the approach.
Introduce love, instead.
We don't have to agree with someone's lifestyle. We don't have to accept it. We don't even have to tolerate it. But if we call ourselves Christians we better love them. We need to.
One of my favorite quotes is by Billy Graham and he says, "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love."
Let's stop judging others, lest we be judged (oh no, I wasn't supposed to bring up that thing from the other day, was I?).
It's not our job to convict others and guilt them into changing their lives (maybe we should focus on changing our own before we open our mouths about others? Yeah, I went there).
How about we make a concerted effort to love as we have been loved?
One of my favorite quotes is by Billy Graham and he says, "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love."
Let's stop judging others, lest we be judged (oh no, I wasn't supposed to bring up that thing from the other day, was I?).
It's not our job to convict others and guilt them into changing their lives (maybe we should focus on changing our own before we open our mouths about others? Yeah, I went there).
How about we make a concerted effort to love as we have been loved?
Love as we want to be loved.
Love as Christ loves.
Love as Christ loves.
Then, dear friends, that is when we will truly see the beauty of Heaven on Earth.
This isn't easy. It's not really that fun, either. But neither are dentist appointments or mowing the grass and we do those on a regular basis.
And this is different. This is what we are called to do. This is what we get to do.
Besides, once we get out of the way and start doing what God asks of us, that's when He can finally do His job. And He may even choose us to work through.
Now wouldn't that be something to tolerate?
Besides, once we get out of the way and start doing what God asks of us, that's when He can finally do His job. And He may even choose us to work through.
Now wouldn't that be something to tolerate?
"'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?'
Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it:
'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments."
Matthew 22:36-40
I absolutely love this!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jessie!
ReplyDeleteYou have many good thoughts in your post, Brittany.
ReplyDeleteThere is one point I hope you could speak more on. You wrote, "With prayer removed from schools and "freedom" of speech...". Do you believe prayer has been removed from schools? I have three children in public schools and every day I remind them they can pray whenever they wish. God is accessible at all times.
There was a time when public school teachers would lead prayer in their classrooms. I'm glad that time is over. The instruction from me and my husband, along with church on the week-ends carry my children along each school day.
Tell me more of your thoughts on this subject!
Louisa
Thank you for your comment, Louisa!
ReplyDeleteI was speaking more towards cases where people attack schools or organizations that have particular instances where Christian values are represented.
While I don't agree with everything found in these articles, you can read these to see the direction from which my thought process stemmed:
School Under Fire for Allowing Churches to Feed Football Teams -
http://nation.foxnews.com/war-religion/2012/08/22/school-under-fire-allowing-churches-feed-football-teams
More Christian Colleges Sue Over Contraceptive Mandate - http://www.christianpost.com/news/more-christian-colleges-sue-over-contraceptive-mandate-80513/
Shenendehowa Central Schools Threatened... - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/14/atheist-group-threatens-l_n_1776397.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003
True freedom of speech should occur across the board. As we accept other religions and their beliefs and practices, our own values and beliefs should be accepted as well. While I do not think Christians need to shove our religion down the throats of unbelievers, we also should not have to stifle our religion to make others feel "comfortable." If I choose to pray before my meal and the person next to me doesn't, neither of us should be attacked on either end of the spectrum. Likewise, if my opinion on homosexuality or abortion differs, as long as I am respectful I do not feel I should be silenced.
I do want to take the time to briefly state that I do believe Christians are called to evangelize, but that is not what I chose to address in this particular post.
I think what you and your husband are doing is fantastic, and I wish there were more parents who took the initiative to share with their children that their relationships with Christ are their own, and that they don't need to follow a formula, rather just humbly sit at God's feet and know they are loved by a most gracious Father. We can only pray that through this the number of young adults who grew up as Christians but have turned away from faith will decrease, and that youth will truly be the salt and the light.
We may have more of our ideas in agreement than initially realized! I looked at all of your links. Links 1 and 3 are very similar. I actually went to the complaint filed for your first link. Here is the link: http://ffrf.org/uploads/legal/RidgelandHighSchool,GAfootballviolations.pdf
ReplyDeleteThere is so much more on this situation than what Fox News had in their article, hence the reason I looked it up.
The complaint is lengthy, so don't feel like you have to read the entire thing. I skimmed it. My litmus test is whether I would be comfortable with inserting other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, or Hinduism in place of Christianity. Most all of the times, I am not and wish to have "the final say" in this area of my children's lives.
I really think there is so much to learn in school that to leave religion to parents and the churches, outside of the school day, is best. I often wonder what our society would be like if "we showed" Christ in our actions rather than using words.
As to your 2nd link, I feel that contraception is a basic female health right. The religious community has not made inroads into convincing women to decline this and so, I've come to the conclusion each woman is making her own decision. In fact, Biola offered contraception coverage up to April 01 of this year. I wasn't able to find out what Grace offered. How do you feel on this?
It is always encouraging to have a civil discussion!
Louisa