Redefine
by RIH
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
And Satan called forth the horde of demons saying to them, “The God of Heaven has shown patience toward foolish man. Therefore, go and teach man they must likewise be patient toward others.” The demons stood in confusion until Satan smiling added, “And teach them also that patience means tolerance and tolerance means acceptance.” Then they understood and laughed and went forth into the world of man. (The Book of Demons, Chapter 5 verses 6-8)
During the early 1990’s an attempt was made to redefine the concept of taxation - calling it “ contributions”. Perhaps the attempt was made to avoid criticism. Reduced taxes had been promised, however the promise was not kept. In fact, taxes were increased for many. And the attempt to redefine the concept of taxation as a form of contribution - it failed. Perhaps it failed because what one contributes – one does willingly whereas taxes are largely viewed as an accepted form of confiscation. But, other such attempts to redefine the meaning of words and concepts have succeeded – even among the wise. For example:
Words Mean Things – Words Have Meaning
God has shown great patience with foolish men (as many of us have been) providing men the opportunity to realize that foolishness (sin) only brings suffering and death. It is truly sad that men misinterpret so much of God’s behavior, sadder still that they are so quickly misled to false beliefs regarding what God desires.
Thus, for what ever reason, so many have come to believe that the concept of patience also includes tolerance – even acceptance. But patience, as Satan and others would have us believe, does not mean tolerance and tolerance does not mean acceptance. In fact, the legitimate meaning and concept of patience - ‘ to endure what is undesirable’ - is the very opposite of the legitimate concepts of “tolerance” and “acceptance”.
While tolerance does carry a connotation similar to patience (i.e. a capacity to endure), the concept more appropriately means: “Recognition as legitimate and respect for the practices and behavior of others”. Acceptance extends to the concept of: Giving approval to – an agreement with those practices and behaviors”. God makes it quite clear that, while He is patient for man’s sake, He does not tolerate (recognize and respect) or accept (approve and agree) anything that violates the standard of righteousness.
Still, perhaps the demons have had greater success than we fear. Not only do we hear men (some sincere, some feigned) speak pious and moral sounding words encouraging brethren to practice the “patience of God” (as redefined); these same men cast labels of bigot and intolerant on any who speak of God’s true standard for man’s behavior.
But then, we should not be so amazed at the demons’ success in redefining “patience” – they have long ago successfully redefined the very concept of God as seen in the numerous religions and religious practices of man. And once the concept of God has been redefined, all else (faith, salvation, obedience, worship, etc.) is likewise easily recast in any form desired --- but that is a subject for another time.
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