By Lisa Wilmore
Blessing, My Dear Friends,
It has become increasingly obvious that many actions and behaviors tolerated today would never have been accepted by our fore parents. How is it that people can consistently do the opposite of God’s standard and still be held in high esteem? Rather than receiving a strong rebuke, they are often rewarded with praise and acceptance. We frequently misuse or overuse Scriptures such as, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” which is certainly true. We also hear the familiar response when someone is confronted about wrongdoing: “You can’t judge me.” Yes, God’s grace is sufficient, but at what point do we hold them accountable?
What is happening to a people who no longer believe that rules and laws apply to them? Even more concerning, what is happening to a people who believe they can live below God’s standard without consequences? (Selah-Think about it).
With this in mind, as a school leader, I have observed this change firsthand. For years, educators implemented a ‘zero tolerance’ policies for certain behaviors. Students understood that actions carried consequences. Today, however, we appear to be moving away from accountability and into a “new tolerance age.” Behaviors that once prompted immediate correction are often ignored. When standards are lowered and consequences disappear, I believe that disorder is prevalent and gradual erosion of values are dismantled.
People can habitually lie, steal, misuse children, misappropriate funds, abuse positions of authority, create division, and consistently practice sin while serving in authority roles, yet these behaviors are often tolerated with little or no consequences. Additionally, children now spend time on cell phones, tablets or iPads during worship services, and we tolerate it. While digital devices have become a normal part of everyday life, there was a time when parents and “church mothers” would not allow talking, chewing gum, or anything else they believed would disrupt the service. We are truly living in a “new tolerance age”.
The birthing of this message was largely due to a recent book title I encountered by Josh McDowell, The New Tolerance. McDowell argues that “Christians who proclaim a message of truth should pay close attention to a culture that increasingly tolerates ideas and behaviors that undermine biblical truth and weaken the influence of Christianity. He asserts that society has shifted from allowing people to disagree respectfully to expecting everyone to affirm and approve all beliefs and lifestyles” (Overview).
Whether we agree or disagree with his conclusions, we must honestly evaluate what we see happening around us and decide if we will tolerate it or speak truth.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of both grace and truth. We must love people without compromising God’s standards. We may be living in the “New Tolerance Age,” but that does not mean we must tolerate ungodly behaviors. Instead, we must stand for truth, encourage accountability, and point others to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Saves!
