Is nationality something we can be proud of or should Christians forget their natural roots?


God doesn't want us to forget our natural heritage. He simply wants us to realize that it's not eternal and that no one race is better than another. As long as we can enjoy our natural heritage, without belittling another's heritage, I believe that we're being scriptural.

I truly enjoy experiencing the customs, lifestyles, and food of other cultures. It's important for the Christian to realize that we are part of two worlds. As long as this world doesn't pull us away from God, then we can experience all the good things it has to offer. Here's what I consider the most important truth the Christian must consider when dealing with their natural heritage:

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles (non-Jews of any nationality) by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men) - remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace.... Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household.
(Eph. 2:11-15, 19 NIV)

Notice what verse fifteen is declaring. Jesus has created one new man! When anyone accepts Jesus as his or her Savior (Rom. 10:8-13), he or she is born again (2 Cor. 5:17-21, 1 Peter 1:23-25).

The real you (your spirit) dies with Christ and a new man is born (Gal. 2:20). Your body is only a shell in which you live. The real you is born of God and eternal. Enjoy your natural heritage, but don't forget your new and eternal heritage.

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