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Key Bible Verse: You must worship … only the Lord, for he is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you (Exodus 34:14). Bonus Reading: 2 Kings 17:35-39

Demonization of those who claim absolute truth has spilled over into evangelical Christianity. Many believers have accepted hook, line, and sinker the contention that exclusivity promotes hatred. But is that logical?

Imagine that your child develops a terrible cough and fever. The usual medications aren't working. As your child becomes increasingly listless, you become worried. You take her to the doctor. He says, "Your child has pneumonia. I want to hospitalize her so that she can be watched and treated with antibiotics."

However, you strongly object, saying, "I don't believe my child has pneumonia."

Your doctor says that there's no question about the diagnosis and needed treatment.

But you counter, "Why do you think your opinion is any better than mine?"

The doctor patiently explains that as a professional he routinely deals with cases just like this, and the only way to treat the illness is with a heavy round of antibiotics. Is it fair to label your doctor as "hateful" or "arrogant" because he argues that there is only one way for your child to get well?

Obviously, our culture's de facto acceptance that exclusivity translates into hatred is seriously flawed.

—ROBERT JEFFRESS in Hell? Yes!

My Response: Am I comfortable with the exclusive claims and demands of biblical faith? Why or why not?

Thought to Apply: I hate people who are intolerant.

—Laurence Peter (author of The Peter Principle)

Adapted from Hell? Yes! (WaterBrook, 2004) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Please teach me, Lord, how to remain unwavering in my allegiance to what Your Word declares without coming across as arrogant.

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