The values of another world.
Who are you?
A simple yet revealing question. Its simplicity lies in its open-ended nature. There is no wrong answer; we can insert whatever aspects of our identity we wish. Yet, the aspects we choose are revealing. They indicate how we orient ourselves within the greater context of the world and society. Common identifying traits include occupations, familial relationships, hobbies, and places of origin. Those who have not spent time in other nations or cultural contexts may not realize the extent to which where we are from informs various other features of our identity—and how we would answer the question, Who are you?
I firmly believe that we cannot fully understand our own identity and cultural influences until we have acquainted ourselves with different cultural perspectives. For instance, in the United States, we tend to have a very individualistic mindset that prioritizes the idea of personal ownership. In contrast, some rural jungle communities have a deeply communal mindset. If I move into a neighborhood in Florida, where I am from, it is not even expected that I meet and get to know my neighbors. Yet, if I move into a community in the jungles of New Guinea, whatever I own becomes the community’s.
It is easy for us to paint these kinds of differences in the black-and-white ink of “right” and “wrong.” The values that are culturally accepted by my group are “right,” while those of other groups are “wrong.” This behavior is to be expected among human groups and has been a staple of civilization for as long as we have records. But what happens when you become a Christian? Does our relationship to our human communities and their cultural values change?
It is uncomfortable to consider that some of our values, cultural norms, and even views of right and wrong may need to be rejected or changed because of our new identity as Christians. Again, it may be easy for us to see all the ways that other people need to change when they become followers of Christ. Yet, it is not always easy to see how we need to change ourselves.
Matthew 7:3
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (ESV)
As we sit with and meditate on God's Word, we need to open our eyes to the places where we are being asked to change. I want to emphasize how uncomfortable this is. It is not only a shift in values that we have held and potentially publicly advocated for, but there is also the potential for ostracism from our community for coming to an alternative conclusion. It may mean losing credibility within a friend group—or even losing a friend group entirely. Change is not easy or comfortable, especially when it comes to deeply held beliefs.
I would like to highlight three teachings of Jesus that challenge particular aspects of the cultural community I come from:
Matthew 5:38–42
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” (ESV)
Matthew 5:43–48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (ESV)
Luke 10:25–37
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (ESV)
After reading these teachings of Jesus, did any of them strike a particular chord with you? Didn’t Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5 contradict what we often call “justice”? Why should we let people off the hook when they have done wrong? And do I really need to consider everyone my neighbor? Even immigrants, gay people, and political or national opponents?
Jesus calls us to a strange new way of life that does not operate in the same way as our earthly cultures. Just before he went to die on the cross for our sins, he prayed a prayer and spoke with a political leader. In both instances, he revealed something about his kingdom:
John 17:14–18
“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (ESV)
John 18:36–37
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (ESV)
The Kingdom of God is not of this world. The kingdom that Jesus invites his followers to participate in is different from the kingdoms of this world, which have values that serve their own nations and goals. Sometimes, the line between truth and cultural values becomes blurred, and we end up holding fast to a belief system that does not align with the values of God’s Kingdom as revealed in the Bible.
In my own nation, there is great debate and controversy over the topic of providing resources to vulnerable people from other countries. I have found myself in situations where I was the outlier, negatively perceived by my peers for believing that Luke 10:25–37 teaches us to love and provide for anyone in need. It is uncomfortable to read Scripture, believe it, and attempt to live it out. Yet, that is what it means to be a Christian.
We are committing to ascribe to and adhere to the teachings of Jesus. When his teachings challenge our beliefs and deeply held identity, we must be the ones to change.
What aspects of your identity and beliefs does Jesus want to transform?