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.
More:
Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).
Next:
How is tolerance viewed by the culture around us? Within this culture, how can you be salt and light for Christ?
JPW on January 30, 2010 at 5:21 am
I found today’s ODJ (2010-01-30) a good reminder to how we are to live our lives.
Only yesterday the chair of our local Street Pastors and myself were sitting at a meeting discussing with officers from the local council, fire service, primary care trust (local NHS) and police the positive outcomes of a campaign over the 2009/10 Christmas/New Year period in reducing incidents of drunkenness and assaults due to alcohol.
Our Wolverhampton Street Pastors had been asked to join the campaign as the authorities had already seen the greater peace on our city’s streets throughout the year at weekends when Street Pastors are out and about from 22.00 until the early hours helping people and just being a Christian presence.
Throughout our nation local groups of Street Pastors (www.streetpastors.org.uk) are making our culture once again take Christians seriously.
fieldlily on January 30, 2010 at 7:55 am
Praise the LORD! I have heard of “Street Ministry” but didn’t realize how active it is. In a way, we all have a “street ministry” just as Peter did and gave us a formula to follow. Everywhere we go and to everyone we meet, we need to “Do good”, “Be ready” and “Be respectful”.
We also need to be prepared for the persecution that will come because (if we are living Christ-like lives) our lives will be like a mirror to those around us showing them their sins, just as the Ten Commandments did for the Israelites. It is painful to see someone who “appears” to do what is right all the time and makes you feel as though you are “bad”. To those who are seeking to change and are able to recognize that they need something more to change, they will try to find out what is different in our lives and what they can do to make it happen.
Thank you for sharing this.
hello on January 30, 2010 at 9:22 am
I strongly encouraged by this word-“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). We have different challenges and trials for us each day. No matter what happen, if we seek the truth of God and let God handle it, we will receive the things He give us. I feel God is with us eveyday, if we continue to seek Him and repent to Him.