Hot Topics: Nationalism
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12 (BSB)
At best, nationalism is loyalty to a country we’re happy to call “home”.
At worst, it's a dislike of immigrants, different religions, and skin colors– along with pump-it-up warmongering. A grave example of nationalism is Nazi Germany under Hitler.
The opposing approach is globalism, where the whole world's welfare is our concern.
Globalists care for their own people first, but see the value and opportunities of being a part of a greater whole, and assisting their neighbors in need.
Christians are wise to read the Words of Christ, to grasp His perspective and copy it. Consider:
Jesus ministered to Israel first in teaching, healing, and deliverance. But he also chose to help outsiders.*
He sent His disciples into the world, thereby globalizing His ministry for the benefit of all willing hearts.
How does this relate to America, and pointedly, to Christians within it?
Love and tend to your family in Christ through edification, prayer, and aid!
Go into the world, as God directs you. His lost sheep are wandering and homeless.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Media makes the world a neighborhood, and loving our neighbors is God’s command. By helping them and representing Christ, some distant neighbors will become close kin.
Contrary to popular opinion (since popularity is dangerous), the Great Commission isn’t optional.
Also…
Since our citizenship is in Heaven,
Since all Christians are simply “passing through”,
Since here, we are ‘foreigners and exiles’ (1 Peter 2:11)…
“Nationalism” as xenophobia or a focus on “us” and no one else, is blindly shortsighted and dangerous.
Hot Topics: Nationalism (Part 48)
* Among others, Jesus helped a Roman Centurion, a Canaanite woman's daughter, foreign lepers, and an entire Samaritan village.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!