We are living in a time of hyper-tolerance. The world teaches that not only is it good to tolerate adultery, abortion, divorce, fornication, homosexuality, sorcery, idolatry, and dishonesty, it is often considered morally courageous. Since the world is Satan's kingdom, it only makes sense that he would convince people they should tolerate what God does not. What does not make sense is that Christians are adopting this idea of tolerance. Not too long ago, the verse most believers knew and quoted was, For God so loved the world.... Today, the verse most believers know is, judge not lest you be judged. Not too long ago believers knew where to find John 3:16 and the context in which it was written. Today, believers who quote judge not lest you be judged don't have a clue where it can be found nor the context in which it was written. Not only is it ignorant to quote this verse out of context, it also proves a believer can be motivated to please the world by adopting and even promoting this idea of tolerance.
Definitions
"Tolerance" is defined as, "the capacity for or practice of recognizing and respecting the opinions, practices, or behavior of others" In other words, if you have the ability to respect others' opinions, practices or habits, and behavior, you are by definition tolerant. And such tolerance, as it has been defined and traditionally understood, is a virtue. But that is not how tolerance is taught and understood today. By adding the word "sin" to the definition, today's tolerance has become something which is detrimental rather than helpful. It is not simply the opinions of others on politics, for example, which we are supposed to tolerate, but their opinions on what is or is not sin. Tolerance isn't limited to someone's habit of, say, nail biting but applies to their sinful habits as well. Today, it is not only good to respect different behavior but sinful behavior as well. This identifies the foundational problem with this new understanding of tolerance. It puts the power to determine right or wrong in the hands of people rather than God, when, in fact, it is God who decides what is right and wrong (Deuteronomy 5:32).
Truth
Acceptance, belief, and practice of today's view of tolerance require a rejection of truth. Truth is the way things actually are. To violate the way things are is disastrous. For example, if it's true that jumping off a high Tower will kill you, then it can't be true that jumping off a high tower will not kill you. Therefore, it is disastrous to tolerate jumping off of a high Tower. God said there are certain rules and standards which are true for everyone. If there are no rules or standards which apply without exception to everyone, then everyone gets to decide for himself the rules which apply and truth is lost. For the majority of Christians, this is already happening.
The courage to preach truth
In the two gospel accounts, Christ compares the sin of one group of people to the sin of another. With reference to His disciples, Christ says, and whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment, than for that city (Matthew 10:14-15). The sin of both will not be tolerated. Actually, Christ is describing His degree of intolerance.
In closing and I continue to say until the churches in StMaarten has the courage to teach and preach not to tolerate sin our country StMaarten will never be bless. This is my last message for this year 2010. May God be with you have a merry Christmas and a happy new-year. Remember our only master is Jesus Christ the son of God who can save us from our sins and give us everlasting life.
Yours truly
Miguel Arrindell.
Phone 5237327
