The Age of Tolerance

If we try to be all things to all people, we essentially become nothing to nobody.

Although this is a marketing principle, think about this - moral relativism is quickly becoming a dominant theme every where we go.

What in the world am I talking about??? I'll explain.

COEXIST

Relativism is "the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute" (Oxford American Dictionary). From this viewpoint, truth is relative to culture. In other words, under this belief there is no definite truth.

It sounds nice and fluffy...everyone gets along, gives each other hugs, pats each other on the back, and we all prance through wheat fields together living happily ever after. What a weird concept. Yeah, the prancing is really weird too, but I'm talking about mutually exclusive religions all being...truth? The Bible makes the claim that "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27), while some Eastern religions teach reincarnation. So, do we die once, or many times? Both teachings cannot be true.

If I told you that the answer to the equation 1+1 was 2 in my opinion what would you say? What if you answered that it was 7 billion in your opinion? What if we both agreed that the answer to the equation was both 2 and 7 billion? You might say that is ridiculous. I would agree.

If I told you that Texas was deciding to become its own planet and you disagreed, could we both say that we were correct? If we did, you might say that is ridiculous. I would definitely agree (and then move to the new planet - Texas!! Ha!).

A relativist basically redefines truth in order to create a paradoxical world where multiple, contradictory "truths" can coexist.

WHY IS THIS RELEVANT?

This is relevant because, to expand on yesterday, this is one of the ways that we allow the feelings of people to supersede the feelings of God. To rephrase, we are more focused on what other people feel about the situation than what God feels.

It's time to stand for something. Or better yet...Someone.

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). A fully devoted follower of Jesus has publicly acknowledged that Jesus rose from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). For a follower of Christ to deny the clear teaching of God's Word would be betrayal. Now, the Bible is also very clear that minor disagreements are open for debate, but not core biblical Truth (i.e. the death and resurrection of Jesus for our salvation). It is a good idea to keep in mind that the Bible also is clear about avoiding stupid and foolish arguments.

"But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife."
2 Timothy 2:23

"But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless."
Titus 3:9

Stand strong. If you're a follower of Jesus, I'm going to encourage you, live like it. May your focus be on pleasing God. Don't get caught in the trap of "foolish and ignorant disputes." Instead, serve Him with confidence and humility.