One of our men came to me recently asking for advice on how to handle a situation in his workplace. One of his workers was considering some really poor and destructive choices. What role should he play as her supervisor? His conscience told him that he could not simply stand idly by. He was compelled to get involved. But could he get in trouble legally if he offered overtly Christian or moral advice?
Our culture would say that we should mind our own business and encourage people to “follow their heart” and essentially do whatever they want to do. But that is certainly not a Christian response. Obviously, if that other person is a believer we hold them to a higher standard and call them to obey the commands of Jesus. But even if they are an unbeliever, it is appropriate to warn a person regarding their course of action. We know that sin always results in destruction. And when a friend is making destructive choices, we should care enough to get involved.
This all reminds me of the account of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a good king. He walked in God’s ways. And God granted him a peaceful reign of twenty-five years. But he did have one downfall – he made peace with the king of Israel. While Jehoshaphat was king in the south, Ahab was king in the north. And Ahab was a wicked man. He and his wife Jezebel openly worshiped Baal and engaged in all manner of perverse activities. Instead of taking a stand against sin and distancing himself from Ahab, Jehoshaphat entered into an alliance with Ahab. They went out and fought in battles together. In the name of peace, Jehoshaphat sold his soul.
Tolerance is a wonderful virtue. It involves the discipline of enduring. We are to be patient and love people – even when people are difficult and unlovable. But in our tolerance, we should never endorse evil or sweep sin under the rug. If we truly care about someone, we should do everything to warn them about the destructive consequences of sin.
Pastor Jeff
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