| Have You Noticed? - article by Joel Hempel Have you noticed I am better-looking than you? Well, maybe not better looking, but certainly smarter. Okay, maybe not smarter, but definitely I have a sweeter personality. Don’t laugh! I do. No, I don’t. But absolutely, I am more precious to God than you.
Not a chance!
Many years ago, in Cincinnati, our inner-city church helped establish the Drop Inn Center for homeless alcoholics. One evening, when the director announced to the residents that someone had stolen the petty cash, the man next to me blurted out, “I might be a drunk, but I ain’t no thief!”
There seems to be a tendency within human nature to elevate oneself and one’s tribe above others in some way or another. Usually, we keep those thoughts to ourselves. But eventually, they leak out at home and in casual conversations.
By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought . . .1 And again, Never be wise in your own sight . . . If possible, insofar as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 2
In the above quotes, St. Paul is addressing the church and individual Christians within it. We expect disrespect, dismissive comments, and divisive attitudes in society as one person or group tries to elevate themselves over others. But sadly, we know such behavior exists within the church 3 – and maybe in ourselves at times. All of us have ugliness within us. It’s called sin. But Christians intentionally work hard to overcome such thinking and nasty talk. We are the peacemakers. The words of love and compassion that come out of our mouths let others know who we represent and where we are coming from. Have you considered wearing a cross? It can help send a message. A cross doesn’t tell the whole story, but it gives context to what we are saying and doing.
I know wearing a cross is somewhat controversial, and you may question the value of doing so. After all, it has been pirated by everyone from Madonna to Mafia hitmen. But Christians can’t let our symbol of God’s grace be misappropriated and remain symbolically silent.
Bottom line, God calls on us to live lives of humility 4 and to speak out against cruelty and ugly behavior that demeans and degrades. But be advised: if you wear a cross on your body or in your heart and remain silent when in the presence of others making divisive or demeaning comments, we send a very different message.
1. Romans 12:3 NIV 2. Romans 12: 14-21. Also see: Romans 13:10; Luke 6:27-28; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11. 3. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 4. See James 4:6,10; Philippians 2:3; Matthew 23:12; Micah 6:8. | 
