The Danger of What is Commonplace

I have been thinking on this for awhile, but some things I have read yesterday and today in the news, led me to write this morning.  We live in such a unique time of transition in America where things that used to be in the shadows or still hidden in the dark, have come out and we are seeing them be more and more in the mainstream.  It can seem, that no one really cares anymore about this shift.  From the tolerance of denominations, from laws passed by Congress, or decisions from the Supreme Court, we live in a day where things "of the dark" are more and more becoming mainstream.

About 250 years ago, John Wesley made an observation about his generation that is absolutely true in ours.  Here is the quote:

 “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” 

Wesley saw that each generation rises and re-establishes the practices and function of the church in an effort to discover truth, redefine truth, make it more relevant or to actually walk in Biblical truth.  The corresponding result is that toleration only leads to further decay, not life and freedom.  That is one of the huge lies associated with our age of tolerance.  Our culture believes that tolerance brings life, liberty, and freedom.  It is actually the opposite though.    Tolerance exalts the individual and leads to more pride, not humility.  It is this exaltation of self that dominates our landscape.  Narcissism in our way and it only leads to death.  If we have so much freedom, then why are we in so much bondage?  Why are we so depressed?  Why are we so medicated? Why so much disintegration of the family?  Why so much fiscal irresponsibility?  Why so much intolerance of Christians and faith?  Why has the sexual revolution and freedom brought so much confusion and heartache?  Logic would say, we are not better off.  

What does all of this mean for us today as Christ-Followers?  What are we to do?  How should we respond?  We have to go back to Ancient Words that will help us navigate the rough and rugged waters of our day.  Here is what we need to embrace again:

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.   2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV

Here are a couple of important tools for us in our Age of Tolerance from Paul:

1.  Continue in the sacred writings, not the efforts of re-establishing truth.

2.  Wisdom in our salvation comes of the scriptures.

3.  Sacred Writings are the only training in righteousness

4.  Sacred Writings equip us for good work in every age.

The scriptures need no help, they are breathed out by God and they are our help to avoid the bondage of toleration and its destruction.

Paul also told Timothy this:

[4:1] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: [2] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [3] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.  2 Timothy 4:1-4 ESV

In our day of not enduring sound teaching, the Word must be preached so we will be ready in season and out of season. 

This is the only way to avoid what has become to Commonplace in our generation.