TOLERANCE…

We are living in a time where the word “tolerance” represents political correctness for many. My first real understanding of the word tolerance came as a young man studying Electrical Engineering in College. When I began to work in the industry, the electronics I developed had to be encased and mounted into a metal rack of some kind. I was given the specifications for the device which included the size (dimensions) of the component to ensure it would fit into a particular or standard metal rack or shelf. The specifications also included a maximum or minimum amount of deviation from the specified performance of the device and it’s dimensions. The accepted deviation from the exact dimensions (standard) is call tolerance! Anything outside of the specified tolerance would result in an improper fit, improper operation and ultimately failure in the overall system. Non-technical people would define tolerance as having a little bit of “play” in the fit of a component or device. If the “play (tolerance)” is big, we would say it is loose! If the “play (tolerance)” is small, we would say it is tight!

As a born-again Christian, I believe the Word of God (The Holy Bible) is God’s Standard of living for all of humanity. This country, the United States of America is founded on Judea-Christian principles taken from the Holy Bible and belief in the One Holy God it reveals. Those who do not want to follow or obey God’s Holy standard have made the word “tolerance” a key to their attack on good and proven standards of living. Christians are under extreme pressure to raise their tolerance level! They call us “old-fashion,” “narrow-minded,” and “intolerant!” The world that is opposed to Biblical standard and Christian values are constantly pressuring us to greater “tolerance” concerning some of our basic biblical standards such as marriage, homosexuality and abortion. This “tolerance” has led to immoral standards being accepted, legalized and implemented in our school systems to our armed forces. Today, it is politically correct to be a person of tolerance.

The thing that I want to bring understanding and clarity to is that raising our tolerance level necessitates a lowering of standards (moral, spiritual, etc.)! Those who reject Christian values have made the issue about tolerance, but the real issue is about a standard (God’s). The world has made such a “fuss” about tolerance that even many Christians have forgotten that the issue is about God’s standard. The world wants you to believe that we must start with “tolerance” which will ultimately define the standard. But the truth is, we must start with the “Standard” which ultimately defines the tolerance. Remember, when the politically correct pressure you to “tolerance,” they are trying to force you to deviate from the standard (God’s).

Please understand that I am not endorsing bigotry and hate towards others who do not believe as I believe. I am saying however that we as Christians must not allow others who do not believe as we believe, or even some “so-called” Christians who refuse to follow the biblical standard, pressure us away from God’s standard to appease their multi-faceted whims! I have observed that we as Christians also tend to raise our “tolerance” level to sin to appease our flesh. One consequence is that we ultimately end up abandoning our faith. The world seems to have had some success with the tactic of hollering “bigot,” “racist” or “hater” at anyone who maintains  and vocalizes the biblical standard. Their purpose is to silence us when it comes to the biblical standard (The Word of God). Face it, no one wants to be labeled as a bigot, racist or hater! This tactic to shame anyone who has rejected their sinful definition of “tolerance” has resulted in a minority pressuring a majority to accept the sinful deviation from God’s moral standard.

One definition of the word “tolerance” is the capacity for or practice of allowing or respecting the nature, beliefs, or behavior of others. While we all appreciate and understand the necessity of this attitude in life, we also know and understand that without a limit ( a standard) placed on this tolerance the entire system will soon break down. Another definition for “tolerance” is leeway for variation from a standard. Yet, another definition is the capacity to endure; especially, the ability to endure hardship or pain. When we deviate from God’s biblical standard, we definitely have to endure (tolerate) hardship and pain!

As you continue to hear people espouse “tolerance,” please investigate as to just how the term is being used! More importantly, ask yourself what is the standard and how does this standard stack-up to God’s standard? A definition of “standard” is that which is established by sovereign power as a rule or measure by which others are to be adjusted. Those who reject God’s standard and promote “tolerance” are really trying to change (lower) the standard by the authority of public opinion, or by respectable opinions, custom or general consent. An example of this is how the homosexual agenda has been to come out of the closet, seize the authority of public opinion by making homosexuality and same-sex marriage respectable opinions to gain general consent.

In summary, Christians are under extreme pressure to raise their tolerance level. Raising our tolerance level necessitates a lowering of standards ( moral, spiritual, educational, political, etc.). Tolerance outside of the specification (standard) will ultimately lead to a systematic breakdown which we are seeing in the world today. Believers who raise their “tolerance” level to appease their flesh end up abandoning their faith! So my brothers and sisters, let God’s standard determine your tolerance. As the politically correct continue to shout “tolerance” louder and louder, let us shout the standard (God’s) louder and louder!