Whenever we think less of someone because they’re not a member of our church denomination, gender, or social group, we’re displaying an elitist attitude. Elitism is rooted in pride, and ‘God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble’ (James 4:6 NIVUK). Here are two Bible examples of the elitist ‘they’re not one of us’ attitude:

1) When God poured out His Spirit upon the seventy elders who led Israel, they all prophesied. Two of them were not present when it happened. Later, Joshua saw them prophesying and reported it to Moses. ‘“My lord, forbid them!” Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!”’ (Numbers 11:28-29 NKJV). Joshua believed that only a select group were qualified.

2) ‘John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.” “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us”’ (Mark 9:38-40 NLT).

If we exclude others or feel superior to them in any aspect of life, we should read these words from Paul: ‘But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favour on me – and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.’

What Now?

Is there someone in your school, church, or workplace that you’ve tended to look down on or excluded in some way? Ask God to help you find ways to connect with them and get to know them better, so you can discover and appreciate all their great qualities.