Tolerance (part 2)

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick (Matthew 9:12).

We live in a world that urges tolerance for all. But is there a time when intolerance is appropriate?

The secular world says yes. Our society does not tolerate child abuse or neglect. Our country does not tolerate crime or political corruption. Our government does not tolerate acts of treason. Such behaviors are punished harshly.

But things change over time. 200 years ago, slavery was tolerated and women’s suffrage was not. Abortion used to be illegal. When I was young, no one could sell liquor on Sunday. Things have changed, and things will change.

And that is scary. What will be tolerated in the future? What will not be tolerated in the future? Suppose Christianity is pushed to the side as intolerable; will the value of life be defined by how much money you have or how much pleasure you can get out of your body? Without Jesus’ teachings and personal example, will people love and respect each other or will they brag and use each other?

When we decide what is tolerable and what is not, we need Jesus as our guide. Jesus tolerated sinners, but He did not tolerate sin. Jesus compared Himself to a physician, a man of healing who loves His patients but hates the disease that makes them sick.

Bedside manner is important. A doctor wants your respect and trust, but he must tell you the truth about your condition. The diagnosis is not good—sin will kill each and every one of us unless we undergo radical treatment. That radical treatment sounds scary—give up pride and control over your life; turn your back on anything that is self destructive or brings harm to others. Give your life over to Jesus; let Him guide all your decisions. Trust in His wisdom. Submit to His authority.

Our world values tolerance. But we cannot tolerate that which destroys us. We cannot tolerate sin. So we must tolerate Jesus’ diagnosis of our condition; we need to hear the truth so that Jesus can begin treatment on a willing patient.