In the town where I serve, the battle lines have been marked, the weapons are drawn, and no doubt blood has already been spilled. The reason? It has been revealed that Walmart plans to bring a small version of itself to town. Meetings are being held. Petitions are being signed. Unfair assumptions are being made and unkind words are being spoken.
I have lived in Ellsworth for 11 years now but remain an outsider in many ways. Pastors usually do. Some have suggested that it takes living in a small town for several generations to truly be considered an insider and that seems about right to me as to the reality.
And that means that when the news came, I did not have a near instinctual reaction to the news. I was not and am not sure that it is obvious what is best in the short term or long term.
Here is what I am certain of as I consider it all. When something like this happens, people quickly move to defend their own wellbeing. In this case, one side is defending the wellbeing of their or their friend’s businesses which provide a comfortable way of life for their families. And that is reasonable and understandable. The other side is defending their right to have access to stores that might provide needed items at a lower price without the need to travel and expend costly fuel. Again, this seems reasonable to me.
Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.â€
For those in Ellsworth who claim the name of Christ as their own, these words are also for you. In the midst of the battle, look across at your supposed enemies and see instead other people with reasonable concerns. Look not only to your own interests but also the interests of others.
The storeowners are afraid that their wellbeing is at stake. The people struggling to make ends meet are afraid that their wellbeing is at stake. Love one another. Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Consider Jesus who put your interests above his own as he died on the cross for you and for your salvation. Have this mind in yourself.
