Mennonite
Central
Committee

Spirituality of Globalization

By Urbane Byler, MCC Honduras

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

This Bible verse is fundamental to our dealing with globalization. The church has a calling to function as a group of people who have been changed mentally (every part of our being) from the culture of greed that surrounds us. We reject being pressed into the mold that capitalism offers us.

We are called to practice the globalization of hope.

A theology of "sufficiency" must be preached and pursued in our churches and in our individual lives. We must reject the temptations of T.V. and radio to buy more. We must instead look toward the welfare of our brothers and sisters as well as ourselves.

We must reject the lure of riches. The gospel preached and practiced by Jesus is by its very nature a rejection of capitalism. It is a gospel that frees us from the pursuit of material wealth, and recognizes that there is enough for everyone.

It would be helpful if we studied and accepted the values of the indigenous peoples with regard to material wealth.

If we study the history of empires, we see the spirit of the rich and powerful has always been to get more at the expense of the others.

Jesus plainly taught us in Matthew 6 not to be concerned with material benefits, but to seek first the kingdom of God, and we will find enough for living. We must study and take seriously the teachings of Jesus, and put them into practice.

"We have to change the world, before the world changes us."