Tolerating Evil
David A. Bass
Broad-minded and being politically correct seem to be most fashionable in today’s society. As a result we seem to take pride in being “broad-minded” toward every kind of perverted and depraved manner of conduct imaginable. Talk shows and late night television such as “ David Letterman;” “Regis;” and “Oprah” deal with ‘homosexuality,’ ‘adultery,’ and other sexual perversions and deviations as if they are a joking matter. Prime time television and movies glamorize sinful activities such as those just mentioned as well as drunkenness, the use of tobacco and other addictive drugs. The gambler is made to look like the winner in all walks of life. Magazines directed to people of all ages and all walks of life discuss every issue imaginable and once again, they often “glamorize sin” and degrade that which is godly. In the media as a whole God, Christ, the Bible and Christianity are the butt of jokes, ridicule and scorn.
Those who condemn sin and unrighteousness are considered narrow minded and old fashioned. But regardless, the Bible still says, “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil” (Psalms 97:10). “Abhor that which is evil” (Romans 12:9). “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). “. . .Resist the devil, and he will flee form you”(James 4:7). Christians are commanded to “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
Christians are to be tolerant of some things, but evil is not one of them! Iniquity, sin and evil stand in stark contrast to good, truth and righteousness. The kingdom of Satan is darkness while the kingdom of God is light. We cannot love (tolerate) both good and evil at the same time. True allegiance to Christ demands an attitude of hostility toward sin. “Love not the world, neitherthe things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of he Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:15-17).
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8). Our “adversary,” the devil is constantly seeking ways to destroy us spiritually. One of the ways that he is winning many over is through toleration. The devil knows that if we tolerate sin and evil long enough, in time we will compromise and begin to accept it. In the beginning, we might rationalize sin or try and defend it in the lives of others, especially those we love. Eventually, if tolerated long enough, we will begin to participate in that which is sinful.
Dear friends, we must stand for truth! We cannot compromise or afford to be lenient or tolerate of sin. Remember, the Bible tells us to “hate evil;” “abhor evil;” and to “abstain from every form of evil.” Nothing less than standing for God’s way will do. Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matthew 12:30). This is especially true during the holiday season.
Prayer List
T.J. McCarter; L.R. Rasmussen; Alline Dodson (Rusty’s grandmother); Thomas Arrington (Ginger’s father); Richard Dunphy (Don’s father); JoAnn Holcomble; Barbara Hix (Will’s grand-mother - breast cancer); Larry Carroll (cancer); Carol Nelson; Earlene Davis (Christy’s grandmother); Gayle Higginbotham; Colin Chandler; Earl Dean (Don’s father); Martha Eckert; Corey Boothe; Adam Carskaddon; Adam Pilling; Scott Pierce; Jesse Spillman; Major Marshall. Christopher Cary & David Miller (Rachel’s dad) in Afghanistan. Brian & Christy Gray (auto accident).
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading: Matt. 8:23-34
Pantry: Please bring ANY item for the pantry!!!! Our pantry is low.
Response: Kaitllin Cavinder responded to the invitation last Sunday evening confessing sin and requesting prayer.
Lads to Leaders: We will have a presentation this morning about the Lads to Leaders program.
Youth Devo: TONIGHT following our evening worship.
New Years Eve Singing: We will have a singing on New Years Eve. Time to be announced.
Lock-in: New Year’s Eve!!! See Jeff Jones for details.
Upcoming Events
2010 Great Smoky Mtn. Marriage Retreat: Feb.17 - 20
Winter Bible School: February 19,20, 2010
Guntersville Family Retreat: March 18-20