Us Against Them

One thing I hate (and I do not use that language lightly), is the "us against them" mindset. Yet, even in writing that statement, I realize how easy it is to fall into its grip.

I am constantly reminded of the scriptures that declare equality through Christ and I am both humbled and challenged in my struggle to remember that even those who declare themselves better--more moral, more holy, more able to interpret God's will for this world (especially America), more able to save souls from the pits of hell, more able to win this world for Christ, more able to declare who is and who is not fit for service in the church or for a relationship with God--than everyone else who professes to believe (though they differ in theology and approach to inviting persons into the beautiful, healing, redemptive body of God's love), are equals in Christ.

God's deep grace and wide love befuddle me.

And all I can do is marvel at its reality and strive to follow in its ways...and do my very best not to fall into the "us against them" attitude of superiority that I hate.

I close with a large portion of Colossians 3:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, (male or female), barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

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God, forgive me when I unknowingly become the opposite of everything I strive to be. Let your peace overflow from my heart and may everything I do, whether in word or deed, be done in your name, Jesus, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel. Amen.