Homeostatic differentiation and the Church

An important biological principle guides our behavior within the systems we inhabit: Homeostatic differentiation. Simply put, we tend to gravitate toward a position of "balance" in the systems we inhabit. The two poles are fusion, in which we are totally enmeshed with the system, and isolation, in which we become cut off from the system. Neither polar position is comfortable or health, so we will gravitate toward a balanced, or differentiated position. This principle has major implications for understanding the psychology of the Church and how its members function.

First, we must deal with the notion of "holiness." We are called by God to be "set apart" from the world. This is not a call for cut-off, but for differentiation. We are to be "in the world, but not of the world." The Church must understand that we have been give privilege as children of God. Membership in the Lord's Church, if we understand it correctly, automatically puts us in a healthy position. We are part of the most privileged group in the universe: the eternal Kingdom of God. At the same time, we are set apart from the world.

This phenomenon is often visible in the world as well, but with one important distinction: the presence of power. There are many groups that offer their members a sense of distinction; a notion that they are privileged members of an elite organization. The difference between these groups and the Church is, or at least should be, that these groups use power to cut-off from those who are not members. The Church is "holy." We are differentiated in Christ. What's different, however, is that we are cast in a servant's role, not one of Lordship. The Church should never take up a position of elitism or superiority. If we do that, then we are no different than the local country club or some college fraternity.

The Church must be on guard not to fall into a pathological state of differentiation. Worldly groups gravitate towards two ends to display their uniqueness: the aforementioned power plays, or, if power is inaccessible, envy or opposition. Since they cannot exert their power to prove their uniqueness, they reject those on the outside or try to tear them down. This is a "sour grapes" mentality. Sadly, I see this happening all too often in the Church as well. Instead of continuing to engage the world and serve them in the love of Christ, we vilify those whom we perceive as our persecutors. This is in opposition to how Christ taught us to treat our enemies.

Membership in the Body of Christ is true differentiation. We share in the power of God, but not for selfish means or personal exaltation. We do not envy, but we share. We do not aim for exclusivity, but for inclusion of the entire world. That is the mission given us by Jesus.