We have become increasingly aware that the poor are the hope of humanity, for we will be judged by how we have treated the poor. We will have to face this reality when we are summoned before the throne of God. ~Mother Teresa
As many have observed, Mother Teresa was a person widely admired, but seldom imitated.
That the poor are the “hope of humanity” hardly fits with the prevailing view. Most of us spend our efforts trying to distance ourselves from poverty in every way possible.
I think I know why.
In Western culture, identity is closely tied to productivity. What do you do? What grade did you get? Where do you work? How much do you make? How many attend your church? How often is your name google-searched?
The predator of performance haunts at every turn.
Even in our leisure we can’t let down our guard. What was your score? How far did you hike? How much did you buy?
Contempt, or at least discomfort with the very poor, the dependent, or those who by choice or disability are never “employed” grips our collective heart. What exactly do they add to the world, what do they do to create their own worth?
Identity Crisis
I freeze when the inevitable question comes: “Tell me about yourself.” I know my height, age, or where I was born are not enough. My profile must be well crafted to set me apart. Accomplishments, abilities, public recognition–the real question being, “where do you fit on the spectrum of importance?”
Like others with fuzzy credentials my answers seem awkward to my ear. “Mainly what I have done is write and teach Bible Studies.” In reply I get a puzzled look, “Then why haven’t I heard of you?”
Something Worth Pondering
- The creation stories of Israel’s pagan neighbors depict the gods creating human beings so we will do their work for them.
- The creation stories in Genesis portray God doing the work and creating human beings to enjoy and find our identity in him.
Maybe this is why we need the poor–to remind us that the production-driven sweat of the brow was not the original intent.
Are you tempted to find your identity, your worth in what you do or what you produce?
photo credit: http://flic.kr/p/58tMF1
7 replies on “The Ultimate Identity Theft”
Thanks for that great reminder, Janet. This is one of the reasons why I feel strongly about missions trips for our kids. It really wakes them up to what’s important in life–mostly that it’s not about them.
So true, Susan!
Beautiful. So, uh…good luck with this one…ha, ha. Isn’t it strange that Jesus asks us, in his famous passage in Matthew 25, to attend to the poor and visit the prisoners, the former without attention to their worth/productivity, the latter with no interest in their presumed guilt/innocence? Kinda makes ya think, don’ it?
I know, Robert. Everything is upside down with Jesus. Or right side up.
Janet, your words always touch so deep to my heart. The next rung in climbing that theory ladder is to say that God will then judge us by our accomplishments. Will He? Isn’t He more concerned about our obedience than our achievements? Something about a man losing his soul but gaining the world seems to ring in my ears.
And I totally have heard of you! 😉
Aw, Rebecca, I’ve heard of you too! As for judging us by our accomplishments, I think that is exactly M. Teresa’s point. No one lists the poor on their resume…Thanks!
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