ODJ: temple of tolerance

Eat, Our Daily Journey | January 30, 2010 12:50 am

odj_300110

January 30, 2010 


If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way (vv.15-16). 

READ: 1 Peter 3:13-17 

A news story presented the plight of a Christian 
 school that was forced to move because a group
 of local citizens felt it was “proselytizing.” How were the students and staff forcing their faith on others? They were singing hymns and praying out loud within the walls of the school. The people who caused the school to take a hike sound pretty intolerant, huh? 


Today it seems that every conceivable idea and practice is tolerated, except things that have even a hint of Christianity. It’s true, however, that Jesus’ message does not mesh well with the modern definition of tolerance. For He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).


So how do we live out our faith in Jesus in a society that worships at the temple of tolerance? Peter gives us a helpful formula: Do good: You may suffer for your beliefs, but your exemplary life will speak volumes to others 
(1 Peter 3:13,17); Be ready: Prepare to share your faith by knowing what you believe (v.15); Be respectful: Don’t return fire with fire, but be gentle and civil when defending your faith (v.16).


Peter lived during a time of pluralism and tolerance. But due to Jesus’ claims, he and other believers were persecuted. When his formula (see above) didn’t receive a warm response, he pressed on with hope and a long-term perspective. For he wrote: “It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by His name!” (4:16).


We can’t expect a culture that defines tolerance as allowing anything and everything as long as it doesn’t go against my thing to respect our beliefs. But we can still strive to winsomely and respectfully present to others our faith in Jesus. —Tom Felten

NEXT
How is tolerance viewed by the culture around us? Within this culture, how can you be salt and light for Christ? 

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