I've lived all over the U.S., from California to New Jersey, South Carolina to North Dakota. I've lived 8 years overseas and traveled in scores of foreign countries. And I've learned that most people think their county, region, race, culture or subculture are the best.
This is fine unless it divides us, makes us feel superior, makes us insensitive to others, or makes us prideful.
God's family is our most important heritage and His family is multi-cultural, multi-racial, and multi-denominational.
If heritage, family, income, education, country, race, or culture makes us feel superior, we're grieving the Holy Spirit. (See Ephesians 4:29-32 & James 2:1-9)
"Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" are more important to God than culture, race, language or heritage (Galatians 5:22-23).
We must give up anything and everything that pulls us from love for God and others. And this means carefully thinking about the things we say and do in light of the Golden Rule.
Why? Because Jesus is our true home, family, and heritage.
amen!
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