November/December 2002
Common Ground
by Joseph Tkach
Ever heard of the X-Men? If not, ask your children or grandchildren.
The X-Men are a team of super heroes -- created in 1963 by comic book entrepreneur Stan Lee -- who have unusual powers and abilities. Because of genetic mutations, each of these heroes possesses a superpower. Cyclops, for example, can fire force beams from his eye. Storm can control the weather. They use these powers for good.
The X-Men, however, are treated as outcasts by society. Because they're different from the rest of humanity, they're viewed with suspicion, fear and distrust. A hostile society regards them as dangerous freaks, threatening the existence of the normal human race.
Despite this hostility, the X-Men persist in their good works, helping the very people who despise them. Their ever-optimistic leader, Professor Charles Xavier, dreams of a day when all humanity will live together in peace.
In many ways, Christians are like the X-Men. We live in a society that does not share our beliefs and values. There has always been a tension between the people of God and the people of the world. Following God often means trials and persecution. It's part of our calling in Christ.
Yet, like the X-Men, we have a responsibility toward the human community at large. We're not to shut out the world, but to serve it -- whether that service is appreciated or not.
Like the X-Men, we're out of step with society. We live in the world, but do not partake of its evils. Yet, we can continue to exercise faith diligently with the confident assurance that the fellowship of Christians is the nucleus of a new world.