Mennonite Church Peace Resources for Youth

On a recent visit to South America, I observed two groups of ants fighting fiercely. Each of the groups resided in one of two anthills located about 20 feet apart. Throughout the fight, many ants were injured or killed by the opposing side. Eventually, both armies gave up, and they all slowly retreated to their respective "forts" or anthills.

The ant psychologist in me was stumped by their abnormal behavior. There seemed to be substantial food to satisfy both parties of ants, and the two anthills were not interfering with each other in any noticeable way. I was deeply moved by the experience, not only because of the ants' ludicrous actions, but because I had caught a glimpse of human nature in those ants.

According to the Jewish Torah, God created the human race out of the material of the universe, the "dust" of the ground. We as a human race are one family, brothers and sisters under the Creator of the universe. Why then is the history of humankind marked with continuing bloodshed, hate, oppression-fighting?

Sadly, today our world is divided into many countries marked by imaginary borders. Some nations are quite hostile to others. We've been like those ants-we love our anthill more than our fellow ants. This tendency is known as nationalism, or the loving of one's own nation above others.

Today, God calls us to see past dubiously defined nationwide boundaries, and see a family of human beings with deep hurts that cry for healing. In my life, I have taken small steps toward seeing the world as a family, rather than nationally divided people groups. The road has not been easy, but through it all, God has showed me that His blessing and sanctions are not exclusively American. He loves all people equally, even terrorists and Muslims. I have been led towards becoming a "global" Christian, or a Christian who sees the world globally instead of nationally. Some ways I can show the world that I care about people as individuals instead of by their national identity are as follows:

• by praying for world peace,
• by showing love to everyone regardless of nationality or economic status, and
• by refusing to endorse unjust economic situations, and by sharing the wealth and benefits I receive as a result of American citizenship.

What creative ideas do you have for setting to rights the divisiveness that the North American church has often promoted in their nationalistic righteousness?

I'm learning that becoming a global Christian takes time. Change won't happen overnight, and plenty of love is needed when relating to nationalistic Christians, or those who insist on viewing the world through an American lens. Through Christians who believe that Jesus really came to save the whole world and not just Americans, I believe the day may come when the world will begin to see a truer view of God and how He works in the world. It's that day I'm working toward.