Be At Peace With Others

I recently read that the belief of pluralism (A state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain and develop their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization.) will ruin young peoples ability to grow and mature.  On paper pluralism sounds good, everyone tolerates everyone else and, all live in peace.  But the problem is that if you tolerate everything you cannot believe in something.

For pluralism to work, you have to accept what others believe and never disagree with them.

People like to push this ideology off on religion.  "Well if you would all just agree to disagree and get along we wouldn't have all the problems we have."  So, let me see if I get this right.  I can have faith in my system of belief, but I cannot disagree with yours even though I believe your system will have eternally damning results?  I am not advocating going to war with another religion, as some are, to make a point.  But are you saying that I cannot debate someone about their belief system? Pluralism is explicit - No.  I do not have the right to change someone's mind.

So, young people are being taught that all things are equal.  You can believe in something, but you cannot really believe in it that much - after all, you might offend someone.  End result.  You really don't believe in anything.

Paul said in Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Sound like Paul agrees with pluralism.  I can assure you that he isn't.  The Bible is clear about setting standards and lifestyle choices accordingly.  There is a right and wrong, and they should be known and understood. 

Recently, a TEDx Speaker said that pedophilia is an unchangeable sexual orientation.  (They admitted that if said person were to follow through with this, it would have disastrous results.) But the public outcry was off the charts.  What a minute?  So you're telling me that if someone says that they are a pedophile that you cannot disagree with them?

What happened to pluralism?  Now before someone starts writing me an email let me be clear.  No, I don't agree that pedophilia is an unchangeable sexual orientation.  Yes, I do believe that such a person needs to be confronted about this.  But pluralism says that I can neither disagree nor confront them about this.  

So what about Romans 12 do I need to pay attention to? 

First, we never hate someone whose beliefs or lifestyle do not agree with ours. 

Secondly, we hate the sin that people commit thus separating them from an eternally loving God. 

Thirdly, the Bible says that we lovingly confront to establish or reestablish their relationship with Christ.

You see, peace isn't about everyone getting along.  That's never going to happen.  Real peace is established when someone, through the repentance of their sins and placing their faith in the Son of God - Jesus, has a real relationship with Him.

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, I want to be at peace with You, help me to help someone else to be at peace with You today too.  AMEN