Indulgence is (Negative) Tolerance: Episode 8
Indulgence is (Negative) Tolerance: Episode 8
Resources, Quotes, and Scriptures Mentioned:
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“The successful among us delay gratification and bargain with the future.”
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Read Rabab’s story in Joshua here.
P(ractice)A(pply)L(ive) Prompts:
In today’s culture, indulgence is often celebrated—and even equated with self-care, acceptance, or freedom. But what does the Bible actually say about it? Is unchecked indulgence simply negative tolerance disguised as grace? As believers seeking to walk in truth, we must weigh our desires, habits, and boundaries against Scripture.
Using the P.A.L. method (Practice – Apply – Live), let’s examine indulgence through a biblical lens and challenge ourselves to reject tolerance that enables sin rather than holiness.
P – Practice (Reflect on the Truth)
Before making changes, we must first look inward. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of compromise, indulgence, or unhealthy “tolerance” that may be affecting your walk.
📖 Galatians 5:16-17 (KJV) – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit...”
Are there areas where indulgence has been normalized in your life?
Have you confused Christian liberty with license to sin?
📖 Romans 13:14 (KJV) – “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
What “provisions” or excuses are allowing indulgent habits to persist?
Have you tolerated thoughts, influences, or behaviors that dull spiritual conviction?
A – Apply (Take Practical Steps)
Conviction means nothing if it doesn't lead to change. Here’s where truth becomes action.
📖 Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts... we should live soberly, righteously, and godly.”
What is one indulgent behavior or mindset you will deny this week?
Are there areas where you need to set firmer boundaries (digital content, food, relationships, spending, etc.)?
📖 1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV) – “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…”
What discipline can help you bring your body, emotions, or habits under spiritual control?
Could accountability or scheduling help you regain order?
L – Live (Transform Heart & Habits)
Walking with Christ means walking in daily self-denial—not because God is restrictive, but because He is holy.
📖 Matthew 16:24 (KJV) – “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
How does daily self-denial contradict the world’s view of tolerance?
How can you live a more cross-centered life this week?
📖 James 1:22 (KJV) – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
What action will you take today to stand against indulgent compromise?
Who or what might God be calling you to lovingly confront—or distance from?
God’s grace teaches us to deny what the world accepts. Tolerance, when rooted in truth, is love. But tolerance that permits sin is compromise—and indulgence is often its gateway.
Ask the Lord to show you where negative tolerance has taken root in your life, and take steps to uproot it. His Spirit empowers you to live in freedom from sin—not freedom to sin.