Us And Them by Martin Wiles

Psychologists call it groupthink-a phenomenon that happens when people in a particular group are so overly concerned with harmony that they won’t listen to alternative ideas, and their desire to minimize conflict overrides their ability to think outside the box.

Bigotry runs in a similar vein. Bigots are undyingly devoted to their opinions and prejudices and aren’t open to challenges. We often associate bigotry with racism but it can also extend to gender, political issues, church affiliation, age, economic status, language or nationality.

One of Jesus’ disciples may have struggled with one or both mentalities. “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us” (Mark 9:38). John appeared to have an “us and them” religious mentality. You were either in Jesus’ group or you weren’t. But Jesus reminded him the team was larger than 12 disciples. Anyone not on an opposing team was on theirs by default.

History records periods when Protestants detested Catholics and Catholics returned the favor, when Jews were hated so fiercely they were almost exterminated, when slaves and free blacks were forced to sit in the balconies of white churches and when Protestant groups divided among themselves over issues they couldn’t agree on.

Jesus isn’t proposing unity at all costs; some things are worth standing for and dividing over. He’s merely reminding us we accomplish more together than apart. Groupthink and bigotry divides and prevents the measure of success we could otherwise enjoy. What attitudes keep you focused on the little things and prevent you from working on the big picture with all believers?

Prayer: God of all creation, unify us in love for each other so our work for You can reach its greatest potential.

Comments

Obeying God’s Schedule - Martin Wiles

Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” Matthew 9:22 NLT Schedules are made to be broken. According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test, I’m a judger. I like structure and organization. While I can be spontaneous on occasion, it’s not my preferred way of life. I’m also time conscious. I’ve been wearing a watch since I was in first grade. Schedules are important, and I like to be ahead of time for whatever the agenda holds. Keeping and checking off a list gives me an adrenaline rush. In college, I completed all my projects ahead of time. Some of these traits were inborn, but being the firstborn child and living with parents who had similar traits made it certain I’d be a judger. John’s gospel, especially, makes it evident that Jesus journeyed on a divine schedule. Many were told not to tell that he had healed them or cast out their demons simply because Jesus didn’t want his ministry to end p...

Bears or Gators? Believer or Non-Believer? - Melissa Henderson

So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:21 NIV “What do you mean there are gators in the neighborhood?” Moving from central Virginia to South Carolina's Lowcountry brought new adventures. Learning about alligators, blue skinks, armadillos, and other creatures led to excitement but also a bit of worry. One of the most interesting parts of living in a new state was adapting to the weather and different animals. Would we prefer the bears of Virginia or the gators of the South? As my husband and I became accustomed to the humidity and scorching heat of the Deep South, we began referring to ourselves as “South Carolinians.” We laughed as we noticed folks wearing long-sleeved shirts and coats when temperatures reached sixty degrees in the Lowcountry. In Virginia, that temperature was...

Connecting to the Creator - Martin Wiles

It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Revelation 1:10 NLT I’ve done it all my life—whether I wanted to or not. Going to church was never an option. Dad was a preacher, and PK’s went to church … often. Our particular church tradition held services three times weekly, in addition to special activities on other days. I had to attend each one. After moving out, I had the option of going, but still went. When my parents made me go, I sometimes didn’t want to. But when I could stay home, I rarely did. Worship is what the apostle John did on the Lord’s Day. As he did, God spoke to him and told him to write things that would happen in the future. Things God’s people needed to hear and respond to. Beyond everything else, worship concerns giving God the glory and praise He deserves. He is our creator and deliverer, and we should celebrate that through worship. But worship involves us also. We have needs that require attention and decisions that deman...

Love Lines From God

Search This Blog