Elitism
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
by John Waddey
firstcenturychristian
The word "elite conveys two different meanings. There are those who are the choice part of the whole. Thus we have elite companies of soldiers, scientists or musicians, etc. Then there are those who think of themselves as elite as compared to their peers. They may or may not be superior, but they think they are and act in a way that reflects that belief. We describe their behavior as "elitism." In common verbiage, we rarely use the word in a complemental way.
Some feel superior to others because of their wealth and material possessions.
Some affect an elite attitude because of their extensive knowledge.
Others do so because of their educational attainments.
Those who have exceptional talent may develop an elitist attitude.
Those who are in an important position or office are easily tempted to be elitist.
Others assume an air of elitism because of the past glories of their family, their school or their company.
Whatever the case, you can be sure that the Christian who sees himself as elite is still an immature child with shallow faith and lacking experience in the word of righteousness (Heb. 5:13).
A number of other terms come to mind when we seek to describe an elitist: snob, high-brow, arrogant, superior acting, big-headed, prideful, strutting. One noted preacher was described by a peer as the only man he knew who could strut while sitting down.
Elitism has no place among disciples of Christ. Jesus is our mentor and example. While he by right could have claimed a superior station among men, he "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant...he humbled himself..." (Phil 2:7-8). We are to imitate him (I Cor. 11:1) and follow his steps (I Pet. 2:21). Rather than imagine our self to be in an elite class, we are to be servants of others (Matt. 20:27). Rather than expecting others to wait on us, we must be willing to wash their feet (John 13:13-14). Rather than proclaiming or projecting our greatness, we must deny our self and follow Christ (Matt. 16:24). Rather than seeking, claiming or demanding honor for self, our desire should be that others be given the honor (Rom. 12:10). Rather than exalting our self we must mortify the sinful pride that craves such attention (Rom. 8:13).
If anyone should every think of us as elite, let it be because we have excelled leading the lost to Christ, in serving others and that we have loved and served our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Matt.22:37). When we wish to evaluate our attainments and success, we must not compare our self with other Christians, but with the Master himself. When that we do, we will blush with shame and bow our heads confessing that we, like Paul, are the chief of sinners (I Tim. 1:15). Then we will cast off our elitist attitude as a filthy garment unsuited for a servant of the great Jehovah.
This Article has been viewed 206 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.