Tolerance is defined as “indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.” Tolerate, on the other hand, is defined as “allowing the existence or practice of (something that one does not like or agree with) without interference. To endure.”
When we served the church in Newborn, Randy had made it his mission to bring in young people by forming a church men’s softball team. He reasoned that this would provide fun for the men while helping him get acquainted. On Saturday afternoons, we would gather to play other church teams around the area in a makeshift field. These were strictly for fun!
On one particular occasion, we faced a Baptist team which had been champions over the years. They had a father and two sons who were the stars of the team, and they brought along the wife and mother who was one of the most obnoxious fans I have ever seen. She yelled insults, curse words, instructions, and threats during the entire game. The lady had a reputation, and no one ever crossed her. Everyone tolerated her!
Randy was up to bat and the score was tied. The woman stood up and began to hurl insults. Suddenly, I saw Randy began to walk toward her, and time stood still. He got right up to her and said, “M’am, we are supposed to be Christians here, but the best thing you can do right now is sit down and be quiet.” The crowd went completely still. The woman sat down, but snarled, “My husband will see you later, Preacher!” We won the game which made it even worse!
The rest of the day, I watched for that man. It was like the scene in the western, High Noon. Sure enough, about sundown, he drove up in his truck, got out, walked to our door, and knocked. This was a huge man! I hid behind the curtains with my child, and Randy walked to the door. The two men walked outside and appeared deep in conversation. In a moment, the man slapped Randy on the back, and they both dissolved into laughter. It seems the husband had always wanted to tell his wife “to sit down and be quiet.” He’d been too tolerant! She would be tolerated no more he vowed! It took one person to speak up to end the misery others tolerated!
I tolerate a lot of things like cellphones in grocery stores, (I have been guilty), traffic congestion, texting while driving, inconsiderate people, robo calls, cannonballs in the middle of my water class, and many other annoyances. I guess I’ve built up a tolerance to them.
We tolerate a lot of things as Christians these days. Billy Graham said, “We have become tolerant of way too many things that sap us of our convictions, beliefs, and faith. Tolerance is applied too often where it does not belong.”
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught.” Romans 16:17
We might have to tolerate some things, but lately, I have begun to speak out. I may be preaching to the choir, but at least I feel better!!