Which are you?

Where's the restroom?

The world is full of different types of people. We have male and female, young and old, wealthy and poor, married and single, people with children and people without... illustrating just a few of the distinctions....some of which allow for some middle ground. I have often thought about how people are different; how and why they observe, relate and react to things so differently. Of the few distinctions I've mentioned... do you think the greatest "difference" is between male and female? Certainly there are significant differences between the two. I used to think that was the greatest distinction...until we had children. Then my position changed and I leaned more towards the distinction between "people with children" and "people without children."

But I have abandoned the contrasts above as being the most distinct. I have a different theory. I think there are two types of people in the world and this distinction has a huge influence on how people view themselves, view others and how they respond to the world around them. Ready?

One type of person views mankind as basically good. The other views mankind as basically "bad" or, as described in the Bible, sinful. Now, I know some of you are going to react strongly to this. But bear with me..hear me out. Group # 1- Mankind is basically good. Group # 2- Mankind is sinful (or, for lack of a better word... not-good)

I know I am making some generalizations but, if you view people as basically good, your view of how and why people behave badly, do bad things, commit the most horrible of crimes, mistreat others, etc. is different than the "how and why" explanation that Group #2 has. Group # 1 may argue that humans have a basic "goodness" to them (or start out as basically good) and through circumstances, external influences, injustices of society, etc. ...some ...become "bad." Let me also say that "good" and "bad" as used in most conversations, are relative terms but, most people observe the world around us and can generally agree that certain people are seen as good while others are seen as bad or, at least, behaving badly.

What about Group #2? Isn't it a bit harsh to say that people/ mankind is basically "bad." It might be harsh but I'm not the one that first said this. The Bible tells us "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) [It has been argued for a long time whether the word "all" in this passage (pantes in Greek) is meant as every single human without exception or the more collective "all of us" or even something different still. I am not attempting to answer that argument here...it would encompass the remainder of this post and more. Bear in mind, I also lifted the Apostle Paul's words out of context]

Where did they learn selfishness?

Observing our and other people's very young children, I saw the nature that demonstrated selfishness and manipulation long before anyone could have taught or modeled that behavior to them. So, where did it come from? How did they learn these "bad" behaviors at such a very young age? Group # 2 might suggest that it is our basic nature to be selfish, and demonstrate the other "bad" behaviors that often results from this most basic not-so-good quality.

If you subscribe to Group # 1, then you probably believe that some people "become" bad primarily due to their circumstances or some thing/ many things unusual that happens to them. This often leaves parents/families and society feeling that they have somehow failed the person and have responsibility for the person's actions/ behaviors. Don't get me wrong, parents/families and society certainly can contribute to the resulting "bad"-ness. But if the bad behaviors of parents/ families or society are causal, where did their "bad"-ness originate?

So as not to make this any longer than it already is, here's my take. Man is born with a sinful nature...we are NOT basically good. Only through the guidance of others, the influence of God's Holy Spirit, and the redeeming work of Jesus Christ do we have any hope of "goodness." In reality, when compared to God, we are so far from good, the minor distinctions between each of us in that regard are minuscule. That's like you bragging that you can jump higher than me. But if the standard for jumping is to jump to the moon, your ability to jump a foot higher than me is irrelevant.  If the standard for goodness is Jesus Christ...well, we all need help. And the Good News is we have just that..the help and Hope of Jesus Christ. None of us are good. When we acknowledge that, it reveals things like racism and elitism for what they are...our simple-minded ideas that we are somehow "more good" than another. So, you can jump higher than me? Wow, aren't we impressed. I don't expect some of you to agree with me and would love to read your comments whether you agree/ disagree or just want to weigh in. Your comments, like a gift, are so appreciated