H folks, I hope you are well, this week we are meeting at the Kittiwake at 8.00pm, it would be great to see you!
This week I stumbled upon this quote:
‘The primary problem is that our identities are too small. We tend to rely most on our smaller, cultural identities and ignore our larger, common identity as members of the body of Christ. . . . Indeed, adopting a common identity is the key to tearing down cultural divisions and working toward reconciliation.’ —Christena Cleveland
When I read this quote there were a few things that made me think, firstly Christena talks about a common identity in relation to the body of Christ… I want to explore that in relation to being human… particularly in our current political climate. I’m thankful that some of my time is spent in Newcastle now and as such I can, if I put my mind to it, meet different people, the homeless and vulnerable. I can pop to the coffee shop in Brunswick and mingle… but I often don’t. It’s too easy to stay put in my office.
The second reflection is about the body of Christ, I have been thinking a bit about where I have come from and the people I have met on my journey of faith. I have traveled with all kinds of folks! There are things that today I find difficult to relate to about some of the values from my past, but at the same time there is a deep sense of love and thankfulness for those folks who I have crossed paths with over the years. The challenge, as the quote alludes to, is how to continue to be open to other ways of understanding the story of God.
The third thought that really made me sit up and think was, what are the commonalities that help us to tear down the cultural divisions to lead towards reconciliation, particularly in our current time for the human race and the people of God?
Some questions…
Were you a mod, rocker, goth or hippy growing up?
How do you label your politics/religion/national identify?
What makes you belong?
In what ways can you feel commonality with someone you fundamentally disagree with?
What borders do you see in the wider community?
What ‘fake borders’ do you think exist?
What borders do you see within ‘our’ community? What is our commonality?
How open are we to other ways of thinking?
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A pondering question – who are you rubbing shoulders with that is different to you?
Peace, Rob.
Rob Wylie is the founder of BeachcomberFX and guides its leadership team. He has worked in the North East for over 20 years and has vast experience from various roles he has held. He has a passion for Fresh Expressions of Church and Pioneer Ministry as well as beer, beaches and Miniature Schnauzers.