There are several things that prevent the body of Christ from being built up in the way that it should. One of those is when cultural attitudes interfere with the way that people treat each other. Superiority, ego and other issues that stem from the flesh can cause people to prevent others from exercising their gifts. The Spirit may not act freely because of cultural attitudes.
Gifts are freely given by the Holy Spirit so that all in the body may benefit. However, there are still those who choose to make decisions based on a foundational division of individuals according to their gender, class or race. Egalitarianism emphasizes the call that God places on each life, regardless of their gender, race or class.
Churches that are known as egalitarian are simply following the example set by Christ. Jesus treated all people equally. While He is Lord, during His time spent on earth He never aimed to make others appear less in order to make Himself seem greater. He constantly pushed others around Him to fully live out the calling of God in their lives, no matter what ethnic group or gender they were.
Jesus specifically pointed out that high officials should not lord it over or exercise authority over those in their care. That is in direct contrast to the general attitude of the world, where people command and force others to follow and may even use put downs to achieve their aims. In the body, everyone is to have a servant attitude and regard others as sisters and brothers first.
Certain positions within the home, churches and society are often reserved for people of a specific class, gender or race and that is sometimes accompanied by a false concept of what leadership really is. On several occasions individuals do just what Jesus clearly stated that Christians should not do. They go out of their way to lord it over everyone.
Jesus clearly stated that a person who wants to be great should serve. Jesus was the ultimate example, giving up His life so we all might live forever. Yet, there are many leaders who are unwilling to even shift in an opinion that in their hearts they know is wrong. Fully utilizing gifts and ministries helps churches to function as Jesus wants.
In egalitarian churches, all people are considered equal. Christians are reminded that nothing is done through their own riches, the strength of their arm or their connections. It is accomplished through the Spirit of God. People from different cultures and classes look at the way that the Savior lived and mirror that in their own actions.
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