Tolerating Small Things Can Be Destructive

We’ve all seen it, at least we have noticed it in others.  That is, something small, or seemingly small, is tolerated until it destroys.

Let me illustrate.  I have watched people be rude in relationships to the point where it eventually ended a friendship.

There have been marriages which were destroyed over time by a controlling spouse.

And there have been habits, or little things, that others have tolerated or perhaps been unaware of that led to a downfall.

So which is it?  Are we good at ignoring, and thus tolerating the little things?  Or are we rationalizing, which any of us have done at some point?  Is it a big deal or is it no big deal?

Case in point.  A few years ago I was having a cup of coffee at Starbucks with a friend. While we were talking an attractive woman walked in.  No problem.  The fact is a guy can’t not notice an attractive woman.

However, the guy I was with did not simply notice the woman.  He turned around a complete 180 degrees in his chair to continue to look. Noticing is far different than staring.

Now that’s a problem.  I did not say anything, but I could see the handwriting on the wall.  That is not healthy.  Some would say, “It’s no big deal–guys do that all the time.”

Two problems.  That is rationalization and toleration all wrapped up in one.  The Bible says that “The wages of sin is death.”  In other words, sin or destructive habits must not be tolerated or rationalized. Because you will not like the end result.

That is sin’s ultimate end.  Death or destruction.  Over time I watched this guy’s marriage fall apart as he eventually went after another woman. As I think back perhaps I should have said something because I have been around lots of guys, but this was a first for me.  Most married guys tend to be a little more discreet.

Think about it.  Turning around and continually watching attractive women must have become such a habit that he no longer thought about it, whether I was sitting there or not.

Take inventory of your own life. What small things are you tolerating? Take action today before they destroy something tomorrow.