Now that we've discussed how 'meritocracy' is counter to the Christian concept of grace (see Part 1), let's see how that system holds up in practice in today's world:
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| Meritocracy: it's be great if it were how society actually worked |
Not only is meritocracy a false idol that divides us from the One who is truly responsible for our successes, but it's not even a reality-based system in the secular world. Anyone whose parents went to college or owned their own home received a head-start. Anyone who lives in stability or maintains consistent access to healthcare has an advantage in their daily pursuits.
Anyone that networks for a job, or can bring solid letters of recommendation to their interview has benefited from the goodwill of others. Anyone whose culture has been consistently represented in the seats of power has benefited from a tailored system of rules. No one gets where they are on merit alone (see post: Academic Admissions).
Yet even while we accept help from others, we despise and disparage those that need help from us: people that struggle every day to make it through. Like the Pharisees we proclaim “God, I thank you that I am not like other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers” (Luke 18:11). Walter Russell Mead asserts that God "made you smart so that you could serve — and the people he wants you to serve are exactly all those people you feel so arrogantly superior to." Will we be like the servant who receive mercy and grace, but will not offer it to others?
When we achieve success, might it be because our hard work went toward getting us ahead, rather just than surviving? If it takes every effort for someone to keep from falling behind, how do we expect that they will move forward? If we are secure in our basic survival, our skills and talents can propel us to great heights. But if adversity creates struggle for basic need, how can one's gifts ever reach their full potential? And then we all miss out in witnessing the splendor of God's blessings that might have been realized.
We bristle at giving aid to people that 'don't deserve our help.' But what have we ever deserved? And what if someone happens to be 'undeserving'? So what? Is this not the very definition of grace?
There are indeed those elite few that have achieved great things in the face of adversity--bone fide 'rags-to-riches' achievement. But we love their stories precisely because they are so rare. The reality is that for millions of people, overcoming systemic disadvantage is exhausting to the point of hopelessness and even resignation.
But we rigorously maintain the idea that merit is our only currency for success. And in our world, rewarding effort and good work is important for the advancement of society. But it is not what's important for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.
We know that we aught to work hard because it brings glory to god, not because we'll get stuff. God didn't give you a good education, stable family, safe neighborhood so that you could boast in your own greatness. He didn't make you rich so you could buy a nice car. Every blessing we have is a gift, and it comes with responsibility: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" (Luke 12:48). Or do we believe it is better to store up our treasures on earth?
I wasn't exactly thinking about the Olympics when I wrote this post, but I think it relates. All the athletes work hard, but more often than not, it's the countries/athletes with money that end up winning the gold. Advantage begets itself. Better training resources and having the time to dedicate means more wins--regardless of raw physical skill. We could be completely missing unknown world-record athletes and never know it.
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