We are in an age of intolerance though we claim forward thinking and "we are all one." We like to rail on the fact that a country founded on freedom even had to have a law desegregating schools...
While we're not there, we certainly haven't progressed. We've in fact, taken two steps backwards.
Think on it.
The majority of posts I see on Facebook are condemning one religion or another. Someone posts an opinion you think is absurd and you reply with venom. People were in an uproar over Dan Cathy answering a question regarding his view on marriage.
If he was answering a question, that means he was asked. He wasn't out picketing or proclaiming. And we claim freedom in speech.
We have people trying to shut down a New York City pizza parlor because the owner was so excited to have the President of the United States visit his shop, he bear-hugged him.
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16.
Honesty and affection.
This is what we're waging war over? This is why we're trying to destroy people and their livelihoods?
You say you're a tolerant person. Up until the moment you're given a view which doesn't line up with your's.
Then, come hell or high water, you'll ride your high horse and get into a silent screaming match via social media and tell your "friends" or people you've never met and probably will never meet why they're vile and idiotic.
Yet, we claim to be tolerant and accepting and humble.
This is what has become the norm for our culture.
We like to say America is a melting pot, a land of opportunity and growth...
Only as long as you speak our language and stay in certain neighborhoods and don't go to our schools.
How to raise children in this? How to reconcile the God of the Bible, who has called ALL (not a certain type or background or ethnicity) to be his children through belief in his Son to the hate that is plastered all over everything?
I think in all our personal views, we've forgotten a very important commandment. To love our neighbor as ourself (Leviticus 19:18). Regardless of beliefs, skin color, marital status or income. Love. Because he first loved us, so much, that he would send his perfect, spotless Son to die for the very people who reject him and his commandments.
If you're blasting a religious group for not worshiping as you worship - go share Jesus with them (how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!).
Jesus did. He hung out with the prostitutes and lawyers, the scribes and tax collectors.
If you're up in arms over your neighbor not having the same view as you on Creation - invite them over for dinner.
Jesus frequently ate meals with those who rejected his claim as the Son of God.
He came into the world not to condemn the world but to save the world. Who are we to cast the first stone?
So if you're spending time and energy, spend it wisely. Furthering the eternal kingdom rather than berating others for not sharing your opinion is much more satisfying and fulfilling than any earthly thing you could ever pour into.
There is not a battle worth it if it leads to sin and death.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love, I am a noisy going or
a clanging cymbal. And if I have
prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and
if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love
I am nothing.
If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body up
to be burned, but have not love,
I gain nothing.
I Corinthians 13:1-3
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