Have you ever heard of the white missionary theory?
If you haven’t, let me try to help you understand it. The conclusion of the idea is that third world cultures and even some americans contain a perception that states the white skinned have the power to come in and fix everything; to resolve conflicts, to rebuild communities, mend governments, take out poverty, give everyone “new” homes, restore their salvation and perform miraculous healing’s.
Let me ask you something?
Do you really think this is a reality?
As I sat at a crusade in Mafambisse, Mozambique, I saw this theory play out right in front of me. My heart ached with every word that fell out of this native woman’s mouth and it still rings in my ears as I bask in this twisted nature.
“The Americans. We need them. Go back to America. Tell America’s government to send more whites over. We NEED them to help us build our pillars. To help Africa. You have to help us fix Africa. There is work to be done.”
I don’t understand how people can buy into this nonsense.
The coloring of our skin makes absolutely no difference at all. Just because we are white does not mean that we obtain more power than any other race.
Just because we are Americans does not mean that we are the most successful and powerful people. In fact I would argue that American culture is one of thee most broken cultures.
American’s grow up with an insane amount of pride infused into their bones and their brains. We are trained to perform, to act, to love the colors red, white and blue, to chase after money and success, to have a certain sized home, to drive a fancy car, to have perfect kids that grow up to make millions, and on and on I can go. We are taught in grade school how “successful” our government is and it is programmed into us that we are the Bill Gates of the world.
Some how this news seeps into the third world countries causing them to believe we are these humans that magically transform into miracle makers just because we have fair skin and grew up in the United States.
We sold a product, nations bought it, invested in it and now we need to pay the debt. Third world countries consumed our facade like we consume atrocious amounts of fast food. But now, we have fattened the world by getting all of them to march in our power parade.
It churns my stomach, to be honest. The audacity that we have as Americans to believe in this theory is absolutely repulsive.
It is prideful.
Most of all, it is absolutely backwards.
As a Jesus follower, I can clearly see that there is cry for help for the nations. I see that they are hurting. The spiritual world is much more active and alive abroad and it is evident that most of the population is sucked in and won over by witchcraft, black magic and voodoo. But that does not mean that I can fix everything. I’m not stuffed with repair kits that can magically dissipate everyones problems.
I hold nothing more than my fellow brothers and sisters that are shaded darker. It would be a sin to believe that I live three stories higher than they. That my friends, is idolatry and one of the most deadliest sins of them all.
Rather, I hold Jesus inside of my heart and I let Him dwell in my body as His holy temple.
Yet, so do they.
We all have the same power; the power of the Holy Spirit. We are all body parts in one flesh. Not one is more important than the other. They are all equal and function together.
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one spirit into one body.”
1st Corinthians 12:12-13
I don’t want you to misunderstand me.
I realize that because I was born in America, I inherited privileges and resources that most people in the world will never get to touch.
I can blatantly see that I come from a developed country that has become lovely in ways that others won’t.
I know that I am lucky and I am incredibly thankful and grateful for all that has been given to me and for all of the comforts that blossomed on the tree planted in my back yard.
However, being given these privileges, does not mean that I get to hoist myself onto a golden pony, put on rubber gloves and mystically ride into a country with a bible in one hand and bandaids in the other.
No. not even close. I don’t even get to purchase the bandaids. That is not my place.
My place is to humbly walk into a country, asking the Lord what work He wants to get done. Even then, I hardly do anything to transform the nation, the culture or the people.
It would be more accurate to say that they change me more than I could ever change them.
Even though it frustrates me to see the byproduct of their purchase play out in situations like the crusade I witnessed the other night – they still hold treasure that is rare to find in America.
They have it figured out more than we ever could. Life is everything but simple and easy for them, yet they have the most joy, enthusiasm, and authenticity.
Family is valued, hard work is a requirement, strength will get you through your chores, and positive and humble attitudes propel them through the darkness.
The same clothes are worn day by day and water pours over them once a week to keep them clean. Not one negative words slips away from their tongues; rather love and joy leaks out of them with a simple smile and a large embrace.
I admire their lifestyle for it is closer to the way of life that Jesus ordained for His people thousands of years ago. Jesus did not intend for the fancy lifestyle; He did not make us to obsess over how much money we make a year, whether or not we are wearing Jcrew or if we have the newest iPhone.
No. Jesus crafted our hearts to be madly in love with Him. To seek Him and chase after who He is. He calls us out of the patterns of the world – to have our lives be transformed by the renewing of our mind. (Romans 12:2)
So, how do you fix the crisis? How do you stop selling the fattening food?
You humble yourself. You take a huge step back and reflect at where you are storing your treasures. Are you making investments in your life or are you driving through the drive through? I would go as far as asking you, that if you are driving through, are you being polite at the window or are you being selfish and rude?
We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord. White, red, black and yellow; there stands no difference in the way that He holds and values us. If you are blessed with privileges and gifts, then share those gifts and bless others. Edify the community around you, take steps of faith and love on nations near and far and dip your hand into the real honey jar of life. Don’t just slap a bandaid on the cultural dynamics and walk away. Take the time to deep clean and change your routine.
