“We are NOT going to serve you gods or worship the golden image you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18) I will seem intolerant to some. It will actually be the road home. Truly repentant people have a spiritual stubborness that they have learned from God. Those who have been through AA (successfully) are no longer tolerant toward alcohol. They allow no margins. They are intolerant and unbending so far as their own involvement is concerned. Shadrach and Meshach and Abednego are no longer tolerant toward sin. “Make NO provision for the flesh” (Romans 13:14) NONE! They have SEEN the results of disobedience–the destruction of Jerusalem. They have become spiritually stubborn–at least about the things that are clearly taught by God’s word. Will this appear intolerant to some? Yes. Is it a sign of true spiritual life? Yes. Dear God, make us as unreasonable as your Son. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thanks Pastor Don , this is so relevant to today’s world and me personally. As always your blog is a blessing/wake up call to me.
I sense there is much more to this than meets the eye. Take, for example, Pastor Don’s reference that those who have been through AA are “intolerant and unbending so far as their own involvement is concerned.” With alcohol use, what constitutes involvement may be perfectly clear. With certain other behaviors it may not be so clear, even to (or perhaps, especially to) the person engaging in them. Innumerable examples could be given. Take one, for example, that of merely “listening” to gossip, let alone, spreading it. The “involvement” that is taking place is a thing very subtle.