Our Lost Reputation

There is a growing trend that concerns me and many other leaders today. It is something that I have heard discussed on podcasts, I’ve seen numerous books written about, and something that is easily seen on the media of your choosing. It has pervaded its way to the forefront of our culture over the past few decades in a slow, subtle, and significant way. It goes by many names: polarization, cancel culture, tribalism, division, etc.

I’m sure you don’t need an example, but politics is an apparent one at the forefront of my mind. (and probably yours too.) This type of thinking and behavior is not new, it has existed since the earliest days of humanity. We form groups of family, friends, and like-minded individuals. Why? Because it is comfortable and easier that way. This is not inherently bad, but what comes next is. We begin to disproportionality protect those in “our” groups and become defensive at best and oppositional at worst to those in “their” groups. This is tribalism, which divides and polarizes people from one another.

This seems to be a survival instinct within humankind that is culturally normative. However, this should not be the norm for people who profess to be a Christian. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Unfortunately, according to the Barna Group (A Leading Christian Research Organization), Christians are primarily known for their hate and judgment of people and other groups. [1] We are missing the mark; we are following the way of culture and not the way of Christ.

This new command is radical because it defines love not on our terms but on Jesus’ terms. It is a love that brings unlikely people together. (like corrupt tax collectors and zealots trying to overthrow the government.) It is a love that puts others first and serves them, even when they might betray you. (like washing Judas’ feet.) It is a love that sees and uplifts those that society may forget like the poor, women, and other ethnicities. (like the samaritan woman at the well.) It is the kind of love that seeks to make all things right and bring people together through reconciliation with God and one another. (like the cross and the empty tomb.)  

In the days of the early church, people were accused of being “Christian”. It was a derogatory term toward someone who was acting so lovingly that it made no logical sense. It was a term given to people who did not seek power and control, but powerlessness and humility. It was given to people who not only loved those who were easy to love, but who were different and difficult to love. It was their loving actions that made it very clear to others that they followed Christ and not their culture. In the words of Andy Stanley, “Let’s make that happen again.” [2] Let’s reclaim our lost reputation by loving each other the way Jesus loves us.

Grace and Peace,

Austin

[1] Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk, Eugene Cho

[2] Not In It To Win It, Andy Stanley

*Written for and first published by the Osage County Herald-Chronicle on 11/21/24