One People of God

In Romans Paul's concerns are arguably as pastoral as they are theological. Certainly the two work together and feed one another, but throughout the history of the Church, the more common focus among theologians has definitely been the latter over the former. However, even if that be the case - Paul is more concerned with a theological "treatise" (theoretical theology) than praxis (practical theology) - Romans 4, as an example, can never be read apart from Paul's aim, or goal.

Paul begins by asking what advantage Abraham - the father of the Jewish people - has and whether or not he's justified in boasting before God? Two primary points lay in the backdrop of his question: 1) Paul's kinsmen may be prompted to boast about their lineage and connection to Abraham and 2) In their thinking if anyone can boast it would be Abraham, as he enjoyed such a lofty and promise-filled relationship with God. So, what follows the introductory question in chapter 4, is not simply a theological explanation of justification or faith, but a defense of the "one people of God" view that Paul fought tooth and nail to uphold. If exclusive allegiance to Abraham meant the believing Jew could boast, or that Abraham himself could boast, those so inclined would feel justified in prizing their special relationship with God over those (Gentiles) less fortunate, and an unnecessary schism in the Church results, since by definition the point of the Church is to reflect the "one people of God", Jew and Gentile together under one King (Jesus), reflecting to the world what the Prophets were pointing to.

Today, boasting of one's pedigree, privileges and status is no less a common occurence, however, it's never based upon Abraham! The church in America is not healthy when it comes to reflecting the "one people of God" vision of Paul. In fact, it's downright sick. I know of a pastor who is famous for saying, "Sunday at 9am is the most segregated hour in the week." I think he's referring to race, primarily - that each ethnic group worships independent of the other, at their own congregations - but the principle and sentiment can certainly, and should be, applied from race to culture and back again. Increasingly, America is becoming sub-culture, culture whereby groups are organized around affinity as well as race. I say that not to diminish abuses that are (still) clearly prevlent around race matters, but to simply point out that the church has to welcome all of God's children, rich, poor, black, white and everything and everyone in between.

To realize this robust "one people of God" vision, take some time to first be aware of your surroundings. You may attend an affluent church; be aware that the person next to you on Sunday morning in the pews, may be flat broke. Welcome them, love them, give them dignity, and for the sake of the gospel and it's Architect, do not "boast" in what you have, as if that matters! You may be aware of your church neighbor and her plight - great! Maybe you need to begin to move outside of your four walls then and serve alongside a church of a different ethnic group, for instance. Learn their gospel "flavor" if you will. Listen. Learn. Serve and then praise your God who desires to make "one people" out of many, spiritually, without making them the "same" robotically.