Brad Miner, an American author once remarked: “The egalitarianism that is the most offensive is the notion, whether embodied in opinion or law, that every way of behaving is as good as any other and that the man who stands apart by reason of his dignity, restraint, and discernment is somehow an Enemy of the People” Colossians 1:16-17 reminds us: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.
Egalitarianism is defined as "A belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic affairs." It includes the philosophy of advocating the necessary removal of inequity amongst people. It may signify equal treatment of a person irrespective of their gender, religion, status in life or political assignations. Romans 2:11 confirms: “For God shows no partiality.”
Equality in life is important to many. No one wants to feel inferior to another. Neither race or gender should enter the equation if we are true Christians. Nor should the feeling of superiority take precedence over others. In the sight of God, we are one and the same. Matthew 20:25-26 states: But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”
Christian egalitarianism affirms that we were all made in the image of God and as such are all equal in fundamental worth and moral status. Dr Martin Luther King Jr; an American Baptist minister and activist once made an eminent public speech depicting: “I have a dream.” During his remarks, he stated: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." Genesis 1:27 verifies: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Equality usually delineates that every individual should be permitted the same chances. No one owns another. Everyone should be allowed to pursue their talents or dreams without hindrance or opposition. Jagadish Vasudev known as "Sadhguru" an Indian yoga guru and proponent of spirituality, once remarked: "When there is no envy, jealousy, comparison, and competition within you, you can focus your full capabilities on doing what is needed."
James 2:1-5 confirms: “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?”
Equality often stems from childhood and is rudimentary to life. Galatians 3:26-29 states: “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.” If we are treated unfairly by others from an early age in life, then it is sometimes difficult to treat others with justice when we attain adulthood. Bullying encountered by other children can cause significant mental trauma and possible future health issues. It needs to be suppressed at the outset.
It can provoke shyness and a lack of confidence in a person if not tackled at an early stage. Matthew 5:43-48 states: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same. You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Equality can be demonstrated in many ways. It may include sharing what we have, supporting each other, rejecting or ignoring the bad attitudes of adversaries, helping those in need, or listening and giving sound advice if it is requested or required.
Just as the principle of equality should remain steadfast in the human race, so the same applies to the animal kingdom. There was once a coyote who lived amongst a pack of wild canines near a local restaurant in the suburbs of a North American city. The chef was a kind man and took pity on the wild coyotes. He appreciated the difficulty in finding regular food so close to a city, so he regularly placed unfinished meals, leftover by his clients, for the animals on trays and placed them well away from the building to discourage close proximity. He also regularly discarded significant quantities of bones containing meat residue, from the joints used in the restaurant, for his customers.
The coyote in question did not believe in equality and had always felt that he was superior to every other in the pack. He also firmly believed that he had been born to be the natural leader. If any other coyote threatened or agitated him by coming close when he was eating, or gnawing at a bone, he would bare his teeth and growl fiercely with a high-intensity pitch to warn it away. Most coyotes took heed of this warning and left him alone until he had finished.
One day a new coyote joined the pack, who was slightly larger in size. He was arrogant in nature and not perturbed in the slightest at the usual warnings given. He calmly picked up the bone that the coyote was gnawing and carried it to a place under a tree before settling down to enjoy it. Leviticus 19:33-34 reminds us: "When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
The coyote weighed up the options before him and concluded that if he challenged the kleptoparasite, he would more than likely come off worse. He was so astonished at the courage displayed by the newcomer that he just accepted it and went and found another bone. He had learnt the valuable lesson in life that nothing given freely is owned by anyone or anything. Romans 12:19-20 confirms: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Sometimes when we are provoked, we have to turn the other cheek and respond with compassion and respect. By responding in this manner, we display more courage, strength and self-control than any amount of violence could ever achieve. Leviticus 19:18 reminds us: “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.”
Amen.
