Interstate driving has advantages. Multiple lanes allow for a freer flow of traffic. Speed limits are higher, allowing me to arrive at my destination quicker than if I drive on secondary roads where the speed limit is 55 mph. Interstates are also safer since multiple lanes and wide medians decrease the likelihood of head on collisions.
But interstates have their disadvantages too. Driving for miles on end without a break can become monotonous. And while the scenery is occasionally breathtaking, it usually doesn’t compare with the sites observed on country roads and secondary highways.
Interstates represent tolerance and a broad way while secondary highways are restrictive and signify a narrow road. Jesus spoke about a similar scenario. You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way (Matthew 7: 13 NLT).
To a degree, I enjoy tolerance. Variety is the spice of life. Whatever you want to do or believe is fine with me. After all, it doesn’t really concern or affect me. Nice thoughts, but not ones that square with God’s Word. Politically correct but spiritually wrong.
While I’m commanded to love everyone-which sometimes involves a high degree of tolerance, God never directs me to indiscriminately adore and accept everyone’s actions. I love people, but I must judge their actions by the measuring stick of God’s Word. What is wrong is wrong whether I think it should be or not…or whether it affects me or not.
Being politically correct might be popular, but when it takes me down the broad road of blind tolerance it always ends in destruction.
Prayer: Father, give us grace to love everyone but wisdom and courage to call wrong wrong even when it’s not popular.
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This is so true, Martin. Tolerance has definitely become the highest good in our country, but there's never tolerance for the narrow way. Great thoughts. And I like your well-organized site. It looks great and is very easy to navigate.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Gail. Praying for your ministry as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I think we all should be sure of the Biblical stand before we 'stand'. I know Jesus was tolerant but He also stood up for what was right.
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