What Does 2020 Look Like for BMA Missions?
January 3, 2020
The Mission of the Church is Missions
January 12, 2020
by Executive Director John David Smith
One cannot deny that in recent years there has been a resurgence of nationalism throughout the world. We see it in England in their Brexit movement, in many countries who have supported nationalistic candidates, and even in the U.S. with a turn inward.
The reason I mention all of this is not to be overly political; I want to call our attention to possible repercussions for global missions. First, let’s define our terms. Nationalism has been defined as, “a movement toward national unity based on language and culture.” Patriotism is, “a love for one’s country based on beliefs and values.”
As we contrast these two issues, we do not want to oversimplify; however, some things need to be stated. Nationalism can very quickly turn into an exclusive club that excludes those who are not from “my” language group or cultural background.
Patriotism recognizes that there are indeed parameters to being part of our country, and they are based on beliefs and values like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Patriotism allows us to say that we love our country, stand for our flag, and honor those who have given their lives for our freedom. In the blanket rejection of nationalism, one must be careful not to throw the patriotism baby out with the nationalistic bathwater.
As followers of Christ, we need to maintain our global perspective; we have been given a worldwide mandate. Nationalism around the world is contributing to an increase in the persecution of missionaries and the stiffening of requirements for missionaries to enter certain countries. Nationalistic tendencies, taken to the extreme, could lead people to say that we should not look beyond our own borders when it comes to the gospel.
Acts 1:8 says to go to Jerusalem, then to the uttermost parts of the world. It does not say to complete one before you go to the next, it says do them all simultaneously. When Americans declare that we live in the greatest country in the world, what exactly is the measurement of greatness here? Money? Character? Superiority? Certainly, we are no BETTER than anyone else from around the world. We are more BLESSED than most.
If and when we realize that we are blessed to be a blessing, this should lead us away from arrogance and exclusivity to humility and service.