Every time I turn on the tv, all I hear about is the election. At this point, it's annoying to all of us, and we're all ready for it to be over with. Today as I turned on the tv I heard Hillary Clinton giving a speech and using the word "bigot" several times. This has got to be one of my least favorite words. This is probably because almost every time I hear it, someone is using the word to "insult" a Christian. By Hillary Clinton's use of the word, I would be considered a bigot. I do not agree with many of her beliefs and values, and I have a very good reason not to. My beliefs do not sway with the wind and change depending on who I'm talking to so I won't offend them. My beliefs come from God almighty, and for that, I am not ashamed.
A bigot could be defined as, "a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions." After seeing the definition, I think to myself, well, maybe I am a bigot in the eyes of this world. I am intolerant to sin and sinful lifestyles because it is against God's will. I am intolerant to "gods" who are not the one true God. I will never pretend to be ok with it.
The world we live in wants us all to hold hands and sing about rainbows while embracing each other's beliefs and feelings. If you don't openly embrace everyone else's beliefs, no matter how wrong they are, you're called a close-minded bigot. If this is what it takes for me to stand up for God and for what is right, so be it.
God calls on us to be different from the world-- to stand out. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Godʼs will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) We are to shine out with his light within us. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) Because I am a child of God, I can never go along with things that are wrong, even if the world teaches us it's ok. We can't stand up and say that homosexuality, abortion, and so many other things are wrong without being attacked by those who are such advocates for "tolerance." We can't always pray in public events. Sometimes we can't even stand up and say Jesus Christ is the son of God without being ridiculed. It's funny how tolerance is preached and preached... unless it's Christian values. Then no one wants to be tolerant of my God and his rules.
As Christians we must stand up for what is right. We cannot stand by and let others think we are content with the sinfulness of the world. If we are asked questions, we should be ready to answer with a biblical response. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)
The last part of the above verse is very important. We're told to speak with gentleness and respect. All of our actions and words should be out of love and never just to prove that we're right and they're wrong. We are called to love everyone. Everyone includes those who disagree with us, those who are our enemies, and those who do things we are firmly against. We can disagree with someone and still love them, and this is so important to remember. We must stand up for what is right, but we must also be gentle, respectful, and show the love of God to the world.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
