Intolerance. The word holds so much more passion than its intrinsic meaning. In growing circles it’s synonymous with words like “Nazi” and “apartheid” both of which were at their core, intolerant.
If you are unwilling to tolerate difference of opinion, you are intolerant and the only ones tolerant (read morally acceptable) people don’t have to be tolerant about are intolerant people. This however, makes them intolerant, but no one who labels themselves as tolerant is willing to admit that they are the slightest intolerant because they are justifiably intolerant and serve a purpose greater than themselves – that is to rid the world of strife by encouraging tolerance of all (but the intolerant).
If it seems ridiculous, it is purposefully so on my part. You see I am tolerant on many levels and in countless situations but I cannot be tolerant of opinions that run contrary to what Jesus has said.
He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) All truth is God’s truth and when truth is acknowledged in other religions, it can be celebrated. But all religions do not lead to the Divine.
Allah is not God. Compare attributes and see. Please know God is passionate about the followers of Islam. He answered Abram’s request for Ishmael. (Genesis 17:18-19) He will reveal himself as the knowable God, to all who seek after him – Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist… they all have elements of truth that will point to the Truth. But this really isn’t about anyone but you.
Have you been born of the water and the Spirit? Have you asked Jesus to forgive the harm you’ve done yourself and others and the offence you’ve been to a Holy God? It doesn’t matter if you’ve been better than the next guy, or at least you haven’t killed anyone, (Why do we always compare ourselves to the worst cases?) all of us fall short of a Holy God. But by shedding His blood, He did everything so that we could be made friends again with Him. When we confess we have sinned, He forgives us and when we put Him in control of our lives, we are born of the Spirit.
Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11)
Everyone, of every creed and religion, will bow before Christ one day. Will you bow your knee today? It’s easy. This prayer isn’t magic, but if you pray it sincerely, it will do the trick and the life it brings is worth it.
Jesus, I’ve done things I know are wrong. Please forgive me.
Show me how you want me to live. I’ll do what you say. Amen.
AWESOME! Welcome to the family. I could wax eloquent about a bunch of things you really wouldn’t understand, but I won’t. Be sure to talk to someone about being born of the water… I don’t have space to go into that right now. The angels are rejoicing with the Father over you!
And please let me know if you want to know more.
