July 4 – Who Do We Tolerate?

And some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything. …While all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.” Luke 20:38-38, 45-47 

Jesus tolerated the Pharisees. They were trying to catch Him in some error…but Jesus had all the right answers. He said and did the right things…but not always right in the eyes of the Pharisees and scribes, the Jewish rulers.  Do we accept the things that others say…and thus tolerate their words and actions? Are they leaders of our country…or rulers of other nations?  

This is a day when we remember the freedom for which our nation fought and obtained in 1776 and has continued to strive for at home and abroad. Democracy and the rights of the people, by the people and for the people. Maybe our nation needs to see now where tolerances strengthen and weaken us.  

Training Tip – Before you watch the fireworks with your family tonight…or shoot off some fireworks together…discuss the freedoms we have in our nation…and that other people in other nations lack. Freedom to speak freely, freedom to bear arms (carry guns), freedom to get together and discuss things (right to assembly together), freedom to worship when and where we want, freedom for liberty and the pursuit of happiness, among other things. Then as the fireworks are set off, say this one is for…our freedom to worship God however we want. This one is for the freedom of speech. This one is for the freedom to assemble together…and so on. Consult the Bill of Rights for a more complete list of our freedoms.  

It is always fun to dedicate a round of fireworks to each family member or friends with whom you are watching the display. This one if for you…_________. This next one is for you, Dad! BOOM! Wow—that was great! The next one is for you, (insert name), for the way you tolerate xxxxx (name or behavior) and the way you show love to (insert name). Honor each other for their words and actions. 

Lord Jesus-help the United States of America to see that individually and collectively we should treat others the way that we want to be treated.

Happy 4^th of July

 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.