You know, a lot of people throw around the word tolerance. Be tolerant of other people's beliefs, be tolerant of other people's actions, pets, or habits, be tolerant of "crazy uncle Eddie", etc. Tolerance seems to be the buzzword of the politically correct establishment, but what does tolerance truly mean? I don't disagree with the concept of tolerance as defined by Merriam-Webster, "sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own", but I think some people don't view tolerance in this way. Some people view tolerant behavior as seeing practices or hearing beliefs that differ from yours and keeping your mouth shut if you disagree. Some people go even farther by holding the viewpoint that tolerant behavior is accepting other people's beliefs and actions as equally acceptable as yours.
My world view allows me to separate people from their beliefs or actions so that I can tolerate and even like the person, yet utterly and completely disagree with their behavior or belief structure. I believe in a moral right and a moral wrong, therefore I believe that some actions and beliefs are wrong and some actions and beliefs are right. I also think that you can share with a person that you disagree with their actions and beliefs and choose to do one of two things, accept the person as-is, occasionally arguing points of view or choose not to associate with the person with whom you disagree. Thinking they are less of a human being or somehow stupid for not sharing your beliefs is intolerant, disagreeing verbally or choosing not to associate with those people does not make you intolerant.
I live in the Bay Area, a mixing pot of culture, race, and nationality. Tolerance, as defined, is and should be practiced on a daily basis. Yet, there are those here who take the extreme view of tolerance and levy charges of intolerance at anyone who speaks of another's personal behavior or beliefs as wrong. These individuals, in many cases, are the same people who cannot tolerate our president. These individuals have proposed to name a utility plant after him, specifically, a sewage treatment plant. I think this type of behavior is rude, disrespectful, hypocritical, and given the personal nature of the attack very intolerant, but thankfully tolerated by our bill or rights, the same bill of rights that gives us the opportunity to voice our opinions however unpopular they may be.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
"29"
I enjoy the fact that I'm a husband to a beautiful and wonderful wife. I enjoy the fact that I'm a father to three beautiful and wonderful children. I enjoy the fact that I've been blessed with a career, a salary to support my family, and all the associated benefits that a career and salary provide. Life is not always perfect and most certainly our road of life is not without its share of bumps, but we are truly and wonderfully blessed despite our unique challenges.
Most mornings as I reflect on the blessings of the past day, the challenges of the current day and pray for my loved ones, I'm reminded of God's provision for my family and my responsibility to use that provision wisely. I'm also reminded of my inclination to be discontent with what's been given to me and my current season of life. I have a mind that delights in planning and strategy and as God continues to direct my path, sometimes with my submission and sometimes in spite of my lack of submission, I'm reminded that I'm not exactly where I thought I'd be. It's not a bad thing, yet as I consider my plans and the reality of where I've been and where I am, I still can't see the big picture. I can see the thread of my life to date but I have no clue what the future holds.
Despite not knowing what's to come, I do have hope for the future and I know with certainty that I have a future. My prayer is that I use God's provision, this season, and the thread of life provided to weave what God directs. My prayer is that as I move into the fourth decade of my life, my desires and will for my life begin to more closely match God's desires and will for my life. Fortunately, the possibilities continue to grow as I do.
Luke 12:16-23
16And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. 17"And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' 18"Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, (R)you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' 20"But God said to him, '(S)You fool! This very night (T)your soul is required of you; and (U)now who will own what you have prepared?' 21"So is the man who (V)stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." 22And He said to His disciples, "(W)For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23"For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
Most mornings as I reflect on the blessings of the past day, the challenges of the current day and pray for my loved ones, I'm reminded of God's provision for my family and my responsibility to use that provision wisely. I'm also reminded of my inclination to be discontent with what's been given to me and my current season of life. I have a mind that delights in planning and strategy and as God continues to direct my path, sometimes with my submission and sometimes in spite of my lack of submission, I'm reminded that I'm not exactly where I thought I'd be. It's not a bad thing, yet as I consider my plans and the reality of where I've been and where I am, I still can't see the big picture. I can see the thread of my life to date but I have no clue what the future holds.
Despite not knowing what's to come, I do have hope for the future and I know with certainty that I have a future. My prayer is that I use God's provision, this season, and the thread of life provided to weave what God directs. My prayer is that as I move into the fourth decade of my life, my desires and will for my life begin to more closely match God's desires and will for my life. Fortunately, the possibilities continue to grow as I do.
Luke 12:16-23
16And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. 17"And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' 18"Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, (R)you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' 20"But God said to him, '(S)You fool! This very night (T)your soul is required of you; and (U)now who will own what you have prepared?' 21"So is the man who (V)stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." 22And He said to His disciples, "(W)For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23"For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
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