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In 2000, Molson Canadian put out a commercial for their beer. Instead of promoting their drink, however, they created the now famous “Rant”. What started as a funny exploration of Canadian identity went on to become one of the most successful commercial in Canada’s history. Why? In no small part due to the sense of pride & identification Canadians felt while watching it. For those who haven’t seen it, check it out here:
What stands out in this commercial is the fact that Canadians significantly define ourselves by what (or who) we are not. It is hard to miss the fact that, namely, we are very passionate about not being American. As a dual citizen of Canada & the US, I always found this tension a difficult but constant reality. In fairness, this is a generalization and Canadians have many, many positive identity factors that we draw from. However, this telling ad gives us all something of a warning.
It is all too common to define ourselves by what we are not, particularly around issues or experiences that have hurt us or made us angry. A prime example in the church today are some who strongly declare, “I am NOT an Evangelical!” Far too often, those who say this were once part of what they define as “Evangelical”, but were wounded or rejected by that community. And all too often, their anger & hurt represent legitimate wrongs done to them by other Christians.
What anti-identities do you hold on to? Where do they come from?
One of the dangers of primarily defining our identity by what we are not (or by what we are against) is that it quickly contributes to bitterness, poisoning our lives with its far-reaching effects. Even when advocating for prophetic issues of justice, our efforts become tainted and compromised by our woundedness. This why Scripture reminds us:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Eph. 4:31-32
There is something critical here that we need to understand about forgiveness. It has become popular for people to embrace the idea that forgiving others is not about the person who hurt you, but about your own healing and growth. While there are aspects of this idea that are true, Jesus doesn’t let us off that easily. Our own forgiveness by Him is absolutely undeserved, but very much for our sake- for His love for us. It is not enough, then, for us to forgive others for our own sense of closure, because it allows us the illusion that they are still worse than we are. Forgiveness is be an act of grace, love and compassion, borne out of that which we received from Christ.
Take some time to consider how you might be allowing bitterness and/or anti-identity to define who and what you are. What will you do to repent of this dynamic?
