“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Today there is much talk in our society about “tolerance, inclusiveness, and acceptance.” Each term in and of itself is a good term. How wonderful it is to have friends that are tolerant of our weaknesses and accept us for who we are. And who of us does not want to feel a part of the group as opposed to being marginalized and scorned? The challenge comes when these terms are loosely used as blanket words that impact virtually every relationship we encounter. There are some things we are not to tolerate. Isaiah realized this and said, “The Lord spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. …The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear.” (Isa. 8:11, 13)
In Hebrews 12:1-3 the words “Let us…” appear three times. 1. “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” 2. “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. And 3. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Jesus himself had to endure the taunts and scoffing of people. Are we greater than our Lord? If Christ had to endure the criticisms of others – do you think we can escape? Paul acknowledged, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (Romans 15:3) The “go along to get along” crowd is often willing to set aside clear, biblical standards and principled living to accommodate others. To do so is to move from tolerance to compromise and discount God’s Word as our ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. There are times when it is better to be divided by truth than to be united by error. When compromise and false teaching go unchallenged, it breeds even more confusion and draws still more weak and ungrounded people into its fold.
There are times we must resist the “go along to get along” crowd to take our stand for truth. It may not be popular. And it may stir the dander of others. It is in those moments as “Christ-ones” we must concede with Paul, “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.”
Matthew Henry states, “It is easy to be religious when religion is in fashion, but it is evidence of strong faith and resolution to swim against a stream to heaven and to appear for God when no one else appears for him.” (...see JUST IN below.)
“Let us have faith that right makes might; and in that faith let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.” (Abraham Lincoln in his address at Cooper Union in 1860) Let us refuse to allow compromise to be our legacy.
Be blessed my friend.
Glen (Pitts)
The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love
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