Tolerate: to allow the existence of without interference; to accept or endure with forbearance.
The architects of political correctness lecture us daily on our civic duty of tolerating those who are different. They might just as well say “Put up with people. Endure them. Allow them to exist.” What a loaded crock of doomed advice. That kind of begrudging cultural consensus is sure to land us in the rubbish bin of history. Can anyone seriously imagine a society enduring for even one generation on the sagely foundation of “allowing the existence” of its neighbors?
As a Kingdom disciple God is calling me to a higher and infinitely more delightful position of loving others, honoring them, and considering them better than myself.
- Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves. (Phil 2:3)
- Show honor to everyone. Keep on loving the brothers, fearing God, and honoring the king. (1 Pet. 2:17)
It seems important in today’s cultural and political climate to shore up relationships with those around us lest the world we know disintegrates under our feet. I’m choosing to categorically reject mere tolerance for the higher call of honoring others as the image-bearers of God. To recognize the Imago Dei, (the image of God), in another is to embrace civility, honor, compassion, and respect. It feels like we could use a bit more of that in the world.