Highway speed limit signs present one of the most common sights seen when traveling. There is, however, another common speed limit standard observed among many drivers—an unwritten, unofficial “rule” sometimes referred to as “10 over.” I once read a news article quoting an Iowa Highway Patrolman as saying that he and his colleagues allowed speeds to exceed the posted highway speed limit by 10 mph—but no more—before drivers were issued a citation for speeding.
I had always assumed that this “unwritten rule” was observed in most every state and province—until we recently drove through Oklahoma.
There, underneath each posted speed limit sign was another sign I’ve never seen before. It contained just two words. In bold, black letters it proclaimed, “No Tolerance.” The message was clear: Don’t expect the “10 over” rule to be observed in Oklahoma. If you speed—even one mile over the limit—you pay. Traffic moved very circumspectly there!
While Christians ought always to obey, it seems rather hypocritical to enforce such a rule in these lands which tolerate so many other kinds of perverted, lawless and godless philosophies and deeds.
Cain must have had very little realization (if he thought of such things at all) of the depths to which his descendants would fall, when he turned his back and went out from the presence of Jehovah (Gen. 4:1616And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16)). No doubt the city, which he built and named after his son, was a pleasant-appearing place—one which must have initially satisfied all who settled there. Perhaps it was in this city that the spirit and parameters of human tolerance were first established.
The resulting moral darkness marking the world today bears sad evidence to the effects of Cain’s efforts to find happiness apart from God.
Consider, for example, that no tolerance is shown to the Bible or Christianity in public schools or government. Yet those who promote perverted morality, satanic lifestyles and godless habits are tolerated under the banner of multi-cultural diversity.
No tolerance is shown by public or commercial institutions to those seeking to spread the gospel, while those who distribute pornography and violence as entertainment are tolerated under the banner of freedom of speech.
No tolerance is shown Christian parents who use physical discipline when necessary. Yet the world demands tolerance be shown to those who have ravaged, brutalized or even murdered others.
No tolerance is given any who destroy “endangered wildlife.” But those who murder human infants still in their mothers’ wombs are tolerated under the humanistic principle of freedom of choice.
But, for those who have been called to the fellowship of His Son (1 Cor. 1:99God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:9)), spiritual intolerance is far more harmful to the Christian pathway.
Of course, in this day of spiritual coldness and apostasy, faithfulness to Christ is as vitally important as it is rare to find. But still, there is a vast difference between this kind of faithfulness and intolerance.
However, spiritual intolerance—labeling as unspiritual or unintelligent conduct which runs contrary to one’s personal thoughts—comes from spiritual pride. The Pharisees, who lived a very strict, religious lifestyle, were intolerant of any who did not measure up to their standards—Jew or Gentile. But the Lord, who looks on the heart, pronounced a solemn woe on them for their hypocritical ways (Matt. 23:2727Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27)).
Those who, in the name of spirituality, become intolerant of behavior differing from their own act in the same sad spirit as the disciples who forbade one from casting out devils because he “followeth not us” (Mark 9:3838And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. (Mark 9:38))! While ever remaining intolerant of evil, let each seek in divine love—as much as lies in us—to be tolerant of each one purchased with the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ed.