Open Minds and New Ways - Part 1

Tolerance does not come easy for some folks. In fact, tolerance may require total transformation by God’s redemption. An indication of spiritual transformation signals a change from being an enemy of God to becoming his friend. This makes way for developing new values that are compatible with God's values.

God's transforming power replaces a closed-minded attitude with an open mind that includes God’s love and purpose for ourselves and others. What seemed hopeless becomes possible because with God’s gift of tolerance we have peace and a developing attitude of confidence. Peace produces compatibility with God and a partnership with him to do his work in the world.

Tolerance gives evidence of a deepening love for God, a healthy love for others and an adequate love for self. It also produces a framework of personal conduct that affects the lives of others and encourages them to enter the Kingdom of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Sounds challenging, but exciting. 

Endure: Press Upward and Onward - Part 3

In the decade of the 1960's, values of the previous generation came into conflict with young people, producing a period of political, social and spiritual upheaval. The sexual revolution and escape from conventional values indicated change was inevitable. The Bible, prayer and God were expelled from America’s public schools.

Protests on university campuses and other demonstrations gave voice to those seeking change. Change in a nation’s social structure doesn't come without some degree of outrage. One thing’s for sure, turbulence demands examination of basic values and the will to endure.

Our society has gone through numerous changes, and many more are sure to come. One stabilizing force in times of change is to "love the Lord your God with your complete being and love your neighbor as yourself." James 2:8 calls this the royal law because it demands for tolerance and good will to be extended to others. This command helps us stay focused on the fact that we are God's creation and he love us all equally.