By David Ettinger
A Logical Question
The past decade has seen an increase in lawsuits involving Christian bakers and florists. Such cases center on the fact that these bakers and florists refuse their services for same-sex weddings.
This, of course, is based on the Bible’s teaching that same-sex relationships are sinful. Christian bakers and florists stand on biblical principle when refusing service in such circumstances. They have no personal axe to grind with the individuals, but their faith governs their stance.
When Christians are condemned for these actions, we often respond by saying something such as: “Different factions of society demand ‘tolerance’ for their lifestyles and beliefs, and they are very vocal, and sometimes hostile, about it. What about believers in the Lord Jesus? Why doesn’t society show tolerance to Christians?”
Logically, it’s a good and proper question. In reality, though, it’s not going to happen. To the Christian’s question, “Where’s the tolerance for what we believe in?” the answer is, “Forget it!”
A Natural Spiritual Fact
Ever since the fall in the Garden of Eden, two things occurred. First, the human race became spiritually separated from God, which means that from birth all humans are sinners and in need of God’s soul-salvation (Psalm 51:5; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23).
Second, Satan was given rulership (with God-ordained limits) of the earth (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is in charge of the “order” of this world. He does not have authority over Christians, but the rest of the world is his.
The handiwork of Satan’s reign is evident; you and I can devise a substantial list of this world’s horrors. Satan’s handiwork is all around us, including in our homes, blazing its image from our TVs, computers, and smart phones. It’s an evil, fallen world, and it is “the way things are.”
Natural Enmity
God’s way, however, is not Satan’s way. God’s way is light; Satan’s is dark (Colossians 1:13; John 1:5, 3:19, 8:12, 12:46; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9). Because the world is Satan’s and is evil, it hates the God who condemns Satan’s darkness with His light. Jesus tells us: “The world cannot hate you [unbelievers], but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil” (John 7:7).
The world’s enmity of Jesus – and by extension, His followers – is natural, or inherent; it does not have to be taught. Believers should never be surprised when the world hates and spurns us, because we don’t live according to the world’s natural order, but according to Christ’s supernatural leading. Jesus is clear on the world’s hatred of Christianity:
- “You [Jesus’ disciples] will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22).
- “Then you [believers living during the Great Tribulation) will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me” (Matthew 24:9).
- “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man” (Luke 6:22).
- “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).
- “I have given them [the disciples] your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world” (John 17:14).
Get Used to It
Let’s return to the original question: “Why doesn’t society show tolerance to Christians?”
It is clear from the above Scriptures that “society” – which is governed by Satan – naturally and spiritually hates Jesus and all things Christian, and therefore sees Christians and Christianity as not warranting tolerance. It really is that simple.
Society does not have the aptitude to tolerate Christianity, as Jesus clearly teaches. Furthermore, as we draw nearer to end of this age and the return of Christ, the hatred and intolerance will escalate; tolerance for Christianity will all but evaporate. Therefore, believers should surrender all hope of society’s “tolerance,” stop seeking it, and get used to it.
After all, it is “the way things are.”
EttingerWriting.com 
mrsmariposa2014
November 12, 2020
Excellent point, David!
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dettinger47
November 12, 2020
Thank you, Marisa.
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ken riddles
November 12, 2020
Thanks – Clearly presented. Blessings.
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dettinger47
November 12, 2020
Thank you, Ken.
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Lisa Beth
November 12, 2020
There you go, stirring the pot…on one side, I see the futility in protesting the world’s sins, i.e., refusing to bake a lesbian cake because, where does it end? Will the Baker refuse an anniversary cake for an adulterous?
On the other hand, taking a God-led stand can bring a conscience quickening. When the contractor learned its not an office but an abortion clinic he’s building, and canceled the job, the town came against it. It’s right to expose the deeds of darkness. But we may pay the price, the town may come against US!
We need discernment and above all be God led so that our actions will yield God’s purposes.
Press on brother!
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dettinger47
November 12, 2020
I agree, Lisa Beth. Even though our objections may not yield OUR desired results, we still need to make them so that GOD’S purposes will be accomplished.
I also like your example regarding the building contractor. Nicely done!
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Blue Collar Theologian
November 12, 2020
I agree about not seeking tolerance in the sense that the world will tolerate Christians. What I am struggling with and I mean this sincerely and authentically is that I am intolerant to some/many of the policies that a Biden admin will want to enforce on believers. I pray that I will stand for Jesus in a manner that brings Him glory. I pray that I will stand firm in my conviction (intolerance) with love instead of anger. David, I know that God is in control, Jesus is on the Throne. My hope is in Jesus and not man yet my heart breaks for what is going to occur. I am genuinely preparing for God to strengthen His remnant to stand firm and not fall away. Did Orlando get hit by Eta? My mom has no electricity and TECO has no idea when it will be restored. Love and blessings to you and yours!
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dettinger47
November 12, 2020
Well put, Mandy, and I totally concur.
Regarding Eta, it is well west of us, but we received many rain “bands.” It rained throughout the night, and was particularly heavy halfway during my drive to work. Then, suddenly, it just stopped (which means I drove out of it), but it was nonetheless rather dramatic.
It’s nice out now (10:20 a.m.)
Thanks, Mandy!
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Blue Collar Theologian
November 12, 2020
Glad to hear that you “concur.” I am even more glad and thanking God that you are ok!!
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jarilissima
November 12, 2020
Reading the Bible for the first time ever in my 30’s, a lot of things stood out to me. Those passages your shared were a few of them. I noticed quickly that the Bible doesn’t promise me a nice, cushy life. It actually promises me the OPPOSITE!
And here’s the kicker: That feels better.
Because when things go wrong (as they are wont to do), I don’t ask “Oh, why did this happen??” Instead, I say, “Yep. The Bible said this would happen” and I roll up my sleeves and deal with it without any self-pity. And without thinking that God is mad at me.
This is a very important blog. So if you ever figure out reblogging, let me know! 😄 😁
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dettinger47
November 12, 2020
Thanks for the great insights; I absolutely agree. Your attitude is the perfect one for believers, and more of us need to live by it.
It may take a while to figure out the re-blog issue, however!
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vicklea
November 12, 2020
Good and timely post, as usual. Jesus warned us clearly that we would face persecution, but in our own little world, we refuse to accept it. Daily, I hear of martyrs in the world, usually in the Middle East. It is a sad fact that the world does not tolerate Christianity because they do not accept the Savior who is in the center of our beliefs. On the other hand, they want us to tolerate all of their nonsense, like accepting homosexuality and being transgender. God knows what He is doing and warned us about it. If the world is tolerant of us, then we must not be doing something right.
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dettinger47
November 12, 2020
Check, check, and check, Vickie. You nailed it on every count! I couldn’t agree more.
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Victors' Corner
November 12, 2020
We should always focus on God and His great love for us. If we do that, we would worry less whenever the world shows intolerance towards us.
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dettinger47
November 12, 2020
Great point, Victor. Much thanks!
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Zama-Zoe Grace
November 12, 2020
These are some hard truths; sometimes, we become complacency, accept the mediocre, and compromise our values and walk with Christ. These are essential facts that we need to observe at times. Something to think about thoroughly.
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dettinger47
November 12, 2020
Well said. Thanks you!
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Tom
November 13, 2020
David, thanks for the good and sobering thoughts. As society careens off the rails, Christians will increasingly find themselves in difficult situations. The bakers, florists, photographers, and caterers asked to provide services at same-sex weddings and receptions are on the “frontlines” of this religious freedom issue, but others come to mind. I have a Christian contractor friend who was asked to build a house for a same-sex male couple. What to do? He said he’s not responsible for what people do behind closed doors. This is going to ramp up. We can foresee the day when pastors will be sued for declining to perform same-sex weddings and the Bible will be branded as “hate literature” for its denunciation of homosexual activity.
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dettinger47
November 13, 2020
So true, Tom, and in some countries, the Bible is already branded that way. But you’re right, all of this is coming.
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Blue Collar Theologian
November 13, 2020
I really believe churches need to be willing and prepared to give up there 501(c)3 tax exception when it comes to same sex marriage.
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dettinger47
November 13, 2020
I’ve been thinking that for several years.
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Tom
November 13, 2020
Yeah, Mandy, I can easily foresee tax exemptions being cancelled for churches that don’t comply with the LGBT agenda.
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dettinger47
November 13, 2020
Precisely, Tom.
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Blue Collar Theologian
November 13, 2020
I have really good friends who are Pastors at a church 45 minutes from me and they are already willing to give up tax exempt status in response to this. They are vacillating if they want to make a policy stating they will only marry members of the church. I appreciate both of you and your levelheadedness in regards to politics. I have remained neutral; however, I feel deeply compelled to encourage believers to ask God to prepare them in the next 2.5 months for the difficulties we will face as Christians. I am SO thankful that God has placed you both in my life for such a time as this!
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Tom
November 14, 2020
Thank you, Mandy! You are an encouragement to me as well. I strive to be apolitical, but I think we can safely assume that religious freedoms will increasingly come under assault in the Biden administration, as they did previously under Obama. We will keep our focus on Jesus Christ no matter the circumstances.
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