Christian Pitfalls: Nationalism
From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us.
Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)
When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:33-34 (ESV)
After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV)
The internet and modern media (as well as the ease of transportation) connect Earth’s nations like never before!
But at the same time,
Isolation (think of North Korea) limits trading, injures economies, zaps cross-cultural opportunities, and voids the safety found in unity. (Think of NATO.)
Increasingly, world leaders realize how dependent we are on each other. Tragedies and triumphs affect us all!
On the other hand is America– now surfing a wave of nationalism. As I write this, we’re riding a big one, with “it’s all about US” politicians – versus their “it’s a small world” counterparts.
But as Christians, what does God have to say? What does our Lord and Chief tell US to do?
‘There is no partiality with God’ (Romans 2:11), and contrary to public opinion, God is not partial to America, ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23), because ‘There is none righteous, no, not one’ (Romans 3:10).
So let’s break down what “nationalism” is:
“It’s loyalty and devotion to a nation– especially… exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests, as opposed to those of other nations.” (Merriam-Webster)
We might agree it’s an “US-FIRST” mindset– which IS logical, but is it godly?
Is a selfish mindset the Mind of Christ? No!
Doesn’t He love all cultures and countries? Yes!
‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved’ John 3:16-17).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Clearly, God loves “all” and “every nation,” with “all tribes and peoples and languages.”
As Christ’s ambassadors in media, don’t ride any wave of nationalism– or you might pass over your destiny. Like Earth’s prior tidal waves, it WILL pass.
Keep your focus on THE Star and His plan: spreading Good News to ALL of Earth’s people!
Christian Pitfalls: Nationalism (Part 48)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.