identification and a view of others

One of the things we often see in the American Christian sub-culture is a tendency to link patriotism to being an American with what it means to be a Christian. This then builds a sense of entitlement and elitism within American Christians. The end result of this is that our identity as American's in many ways supercede's that of our identity as followers of Jesus and his way. When this occurs we begin to equate the blessings of our nation with the blessings of God, which then tends to cause us to look down on other people groups and nations who are not as rich or powerful and we equate that with a lack of blessing from God on them.

All of this leads to a spiritual elitism which is inevitably tied up with our standing as Americans, which then leads to a sense of us (Americans) being the new "chosen" people. Once the sense of being "chosen" settles into our being, it is very easy to look down upon and even neglect those who are of the "unchosen."

This is what the early first century Christians had to overcome. Their standing with God was wrapped around their identity as Jews being the "chosen ones" of God. This caused them to look down on others and not want God's blessings/favor to fall onto others.

So...here's is something worth discussing.

* How does our identification as Americans get in the way of how we view others?

* How does our identification as American's get in the way of our own faith?

* It took a vision to the lead disciple for the early church to change their view of others. What might it take to change us?

A matter of perspective

This past week I spent the week in Portland at a conference entitled, "The Child Abuse and Family Violence Summit." This conference is predominantly for law enforcement, mental health professionals, dhs/cps case workers, and advocate groups for women and children.

As I sat and listened to various presentations, the veil was lifted from my eyes to see the world that is really there but which most normal people do not want to acknowledge. Simple fact, there is a lot of really sick and twisted people out there.

So it got me thinking. What difference would it make if all people who are a part of churches had the veil pulled back and they saw the true levels of pain and suffering and hurt that is present in this world? What if they were able to fully understand the evil that is out there waiting to devour the innocent...would that change their priorities?

I think...I hope...that if this were the case Christians would quit fighting over stupid issues like the color of the carpet to install in the buildings, how messy the youth group can be from time to time, and all the stupid personality conflicts over perceived slights. I would hope that people would be so busy trying to care for the hurting and resolving injustice and battling the evil they encounter that they wouldn't have either the time nor the inclination to fight and argue over inconsequential issues like carpet or perceived slights.

really - what I am calling for is a change of perspective. As people who follow Jesus and his way, let's focus our thoughts and energy on bringing the way of the kingdom of God here on earth...as it is in heaven. And let's leave the way of the Adversary out of the doors and life of the church.