They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. (Titus 1:16)
I grew up being taught that the Chinese nationality was the best. One reason, I was told, was because Chinese are some of the smartest people around. Another reason is because those of Chinese descent are some of the most handsome and prettiest people. Look at Chinese babies and children; they are definitely adorably cute.
I was also taught to be proud of the Chinese culture. For example, I remember my mom telling me that we were more civilized than other races because we used chopsticks to eat while others often used their hands. Only uncivilized people picked up food with their hands.
When I became a Christian, I continued holding on to my ethnocentric attitude. However, this perspective changed when I was confronted by a close high school friend who had been instrumental in leading me to Christ. Bluntly, yet lovingly, he said to me, “Jim, you need to get rid of the negative attitude that you have towards those who are not Chinese. The way you treat them is proving to be a poor witness. Your rude actions are causing people to wonder if you really are a Christian or not. Christians are to love and treat all people with respect. Don’t deny Christ by your ethnocentric actions!”
Many people feel superior to others, for a variety of reasons, but that is not Christlike.
Ask God to change you if you feel superior to others.
Jim “Umf” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books including Unholiness: Overcoming the Forces That Attack Your Soul (WPH).
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
