Our human rights stem from our Christian faith. "The preciousness and equal worth of every human life is a Christian idea. Christians have always believed that God places infinite value on each human life He creates and that He loves each person equally." (What's So Great About Christianity, Dinesh D'Souza, 68)

The New Testament teaches that there is no distinction in God's eyes. We are equally in need of forgiveness and salvation. St. Paul had to confront those in the early church (including St. Peter), who were dividing believers into first class and second class Christians according to their origins. "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-28) "Among us you are all equal." (The Message)

Yet, our sinful nature, drives us to want to feel better than others. Our ego cries out for acknowledgement that we are superior and somehow more valuable than others. Our identity is tied up with our position in life, and the affirmation of others. The church, which is meant to be a community of equals, is tempted to become enamored with the desire for distinction. Congregations can become competitive. Denominations can appeal to innate elitism. We want to associate with people like ourselves, and congregations can appeal to certain types of people. We feel more comfortable with people who move in the same circles as us. What are some of these enemies of equality?

1. Financial Elitism

People who have been blessed with wealth, either from inheritance or from their hard work, can either use it for the glory of God or for their own glory. I have known church members who have made things happen for good with their giving and others who have used their wealth to punish the leadership or manipulate the direction of the church. Some have felt that their wealth has given them the right to have more influence and control than others. Congregations who attract affluent members are not necessarily more generous with their giving. The rich young ruler had to be challenged by Jesus to stop being controlled by his wealth by giving to the poor, and following him, if he wanted to have treasure in heaven. (Luke 18:22) "When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.'" (Luke 18:23,24) Does our wealth define who we are? Or does our relationship with Christ define who we are?

2. Educational Elitism

People who have been blessed with education can see it as equipping them to serve others or to make them feel superior to others. The Athenians "spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas." (Acts 17:21) We may feel that we know more than others, and therefore can be condescending to those with a simple faith. We have made up our minds and don't want to be confused by another point of view. We may know a great deal, about many things, but God can still be unknown to us. "For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you." (Acts 17:23) Our education can make us arrogant and dismissive of the gospel truth. We think we know it all when we are closed to the truth of God. "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." (1 Cor.1:20,21)

3. Cultural Elitism

People who have been blessed with artistic and creative gifts can feel superior to those who have other tastes. Classically trained church musicians can dismiss popular, contemporary Christian artists and vice versa. Congregations can be identified with one type of music at the expense of others. Why is it that congregations play only one kind of music instead of a variety? African-Americans sing one kind, country gospel churches sing another, and cathedrals yet another. Our culture determines our taste. Do some think their taste is superior to another's? In a desire to appear cool and trendy, worship leaders can wear flip-flops, untucked shirts and baggy jeans. Conversely, there are people who criticize visitors who do not dress like they do. There are dress codes in all congregations, and woe betide those who do not fall in line. "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.... Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (Romans 14:10,13)

4. Spiritual Elitism

People who have been blessed with spiritual advantages can see themselves as dogmatic authorities. Congregations can provide opportunities for those who are obsessed with their righteousness to communicate their opinion as law. In the process they do not listen to the needs of others, but only listen to their own voice. Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee, who was confident of his own righteousness, and looked down on everybody else. He prayed about or to himself, and was proud of his religious achievements. The tax collector, on the other hand, could not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:9-14) Elitism is sinful.

Humility and hospitality are the virtues required of those who, above all their own tastes and prejudices, want to minister to the needs of others and reach the world for Christ. If we believe that we are created equal, that there is no distinction in God's eyes between us, and that the Gospel is for all who come to Christ in faith, then we rejoice when others join us in worship and fellowship. We will welcome them and seek to eliminate any barriers that would prevent them from joining us.

END