5-14-08
What or Who are You Tolerating?

Scripture thought for today:

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance,
and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel...

Revelation 2:19-20

Dear Friend,
What or Who are you tolerating? What is going on in your life right now that you are putting up with that you shouldn't? The words in this scripture are in red because God is speaking. These are actually the words of Christ to the church in Thyatira. He was just commending them for the wonderful things they were doing but then He tells them they are "tolerating that woman Jezebel." Jesus is warning them that even if they have a lot of good going on, tolerating the wrong things will keep them from God's very best for their lives.

When we live tolerating less than God's best, our lives get stuck in mediocre-to-barely-living. In this case, "that woman Jezebel," stood for the idolatry and immorality they were allowing in their lives. Those are sins that will steal this life and eternity, but what can be equally disabling are the more subtle "tolerations." Things that you know are stealing your time, talent, energy, money... your blessed life.

"Tolerations" are things like:

- unhealthy, life-draining relationships
- cluttered schedules (living with no margin)
- addictive habits, hurts, hang ups
- overspending, overeating, overreacting, over...
- no self care (spirit, soul, body)
- passionless spiritual life
- mediocre or lifeless marriage
- procrastination

If we understood how "tolerating" unhealthy people and situations takes our blessed life away, we would never tolerate toleration. We would say, "God, what one thing can I do today to improve or remove what I am tolerating in my life?" Take the time today to ask God that very question, begin to journal and then listen. Study what God's Word has to say about that specific situation. If you don't know where to look in Scripture, ask a spiritual friend or mentor to help you.

During this series, "Bad Guys of the Bible," we are uncovering what the "Bad Guys" tolerated and mapping the road to a "toleration free" life. This week we'll look at Jezebel and Ahab to discover the way out of toleration into liberation and a powerfully blessed life.


Working to live toleration free,

©2008 Scott & Clare Loughrige

P.S. Please keep sending in your testimonies. It's another way to live a "more than conquering" life. "They overcame him, the devil, by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." (REVELATION 12:11)