Syncretism

Throughout history we’ve seen people who identify as Christians rallying together around their common hate towards a specific group of people. We’ve seen Christians define “other” groups of people in order to create division. We’ve routinely seen an “us” versus “them” mentality with Christians versus non-Christians. Christians have identified more with what they don’t do, who they aren’t, what they disagree with, or what group they aren’t a part of. They’ve been known more for what they are against than what they are for. This isn’t all Christians, but historically, we can point to cases where this is clearly displayed.  It is in our fallen, sinful nature that causes us to default to this kind of behavior. Rather than identifying with Christ, who he is, and who he made us to be, our identity becomes more about the world around us. We may believe that rallying around common hate towards an opinion, ideology, people group, or belief would bring unity, but hate can never bring unity. Christ is the only one who can bring true unity. While the enemy would try everything in his power to divide us, Christ unites us under one identity in him. He gifted us this new identity through his death on the cross on behalf of our brokenness. Now, the only way to achieve the unity that he calls us to is to give that same kind of sacrificial love to others. The minute we look at other groups of people with disgust is the minute we have forgotten how Christ could have done the same with us. We cannot comprehend the measure in which we have been forgiven. When we do start to comprehend, we will love sacrificially and welcome all kinds of people into unity under Christ. Reflection/Discussion Question: What groups of people or beliefs do you tend to take on an “us” versus “them” mentality?

When hit with the realization that life is short, people tend to do one of two things: They start living with more purpose and intentionality in order to make the most of their days, or they start living more recklessly and without care because they are overcome with a sense of hopelessness and fear of death. Isaiah 2:22 says, “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?” (NIV). This puts our lives into perspective. The only thing we have right now is the breath in our nostrils. The next breath isn’t guaranteed.  And yet, we spend our entire lives building our own empire that will turn to dust, just like we will one day. We spend our lives building riches, amassing stuff, creating a name for ourselves, and accumulating accolades from “important” people. Those of us who may prefer a quieter lifestyle still often get caught up in this life by working hard to surround ourselves with as much physical comforts as possible. But when we return to dust, all of these efforts will be in vain. There is a line in the song “All Glory be to Christ” by Dustin Kensrue that says, “Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive, unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive. To you who boast tomorrow’s gain, tell me, what is your life? A mist that vanishes at dawn, all glory be to Christ.” The irony is that this song is sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, which is often sung for New Year’s Eve—when we celebrate what tomorrow brings. We spend our efforts building a life that lasts as long as we do, but it’s all in vain if it isn’t building the kingdom of God. Our life is but a mist that vanishes at dawn. We are dust and to dust we will return. If we spend our lives building what will eventually come to dust, we will have lived our lives in vain. Reflection/Discussion Question: What is your immediate reaction when you start thinking about death?