How do we react when we observe or encounter someone who doesn’t share our beliefs, values, preferences, or ways of doing things? Many times we follow an “us vs. them” attitude. Consider the following:
Some people choose to ridicule or put down those of a different persuasion from theirs. This may come in the form of name-calling or spiteful joking. Usually, the target isn’t just the idea or behavior but the person. Instead of simply disagreeing with them, or even dismantling the arguments of their point of view, we opt to humiliate the person—attacking either another’s intellect or common sense. And when our sense of disagreement with another is quite intense, our reaction may sometimes become quite harsh—even violent—in order to silence the opposing voice. The goal is to “destroy the enemy.” We may try to justify our actions by claiming to stand up for truth. But the problem is that often our very actions can so easily contradict the truth we are trying to uphold.
One would think that a follower of Jesus would somehow respond differently. But, sad to say, many times our behavior may reveal no such distinction from the rest of the world.
The world is filled with a multitude of religions. We will encounter and observe people with different belief systems and practices. Even within Christianity itself, we cannot deny the existence of diverse denominations. Then there is the matter of differing theological, political, environmental, and even moral viewpoints. How do we behave in the face of such differences?
Historically, there were those who were considered “champions of the faith” yet they put to shame the very name of the Christ of the religion they sought to defend. The most notorious are the militaristic campaigns (popularly called “crusades”) to restore Christianity in certain territories overtaken by another religion.
Of course, we don’t have to go too far in time or place. And sometimes we are the guilty party. It is easy to observe the tendency to put down those with whom we disagree—with our attitudes, words, and actions. What we often reveal isn’t how right we are, but only how we are allowing spiritual or moral pride to get the better of us. The challenge is to abandon the “us vs. them” perspective and adopt the “Christ over all” attitude. Then we do not try to “destroy the enemy” but instead win them to Christ.
—Keith Y. Jainga