Even (or especially) when it's hard...

In recent years - and maybe even more so in recent months, in light of our recent election -  I think a lot of us have become increasingly aware of the world around us. The news of our next Commander in Chief has settled differently in all of us. For some, the news evoked excitement for possible change and hope for a different future. For others the news evoked fear. Fear of division, violence, and loss.  I think we can all agree that division has abounded over the last few months, and even more in the last 24 hours. We have certainly become divided on a lot of issues. But one thing that seems pretty prevalent across the board is this heightened awareness of the other cultures around us. For some this is out of fear - they want to know who their "enemies" are. But I think others are more aware simply because the world is now right here with us. In years past, we had to step on a plane to encounter a large majority of the cultures in this world, but now we can simply step onto the sidewalk of our own neighborhoods. It’s really a beautiful thing, but sometimes we don't know what to do with that. We might find ourselves feeling "culture shock" in our own hometown.

It’s not always easy to see things from someone else’s perspective, but I think that is truly how we can become more aware of (and more relevant to) the world around us. That means actually getting out and talking to people who don’t look or think or act like you! Jesus Christ was all about unity and love throughout his ministry on earth. He led by the example that love - of God and of people - is the single most important thing we have to give. Even when we don't like who they voted for. Even when we disagree with their principles. Even when they wear a hijab that might make us feel a little uncomfortable. (Replace each, "Even" with "Especially," and I think we're even closer to what God wants for us.) 

1 John 4:12 says, “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”

Jesus is no longer walking among us on the earth, but He left us with His teaching and His Holy Spirit to guide us. The love He showed by dying on the cross is IN US! We now have the right, privilege, and duty to share that love with everyone else. It’s not easy to step out of your world and into someone else’s, but it is how we share God’s love. Let's not hide behind a busy schedule or a difficult toddler. Consider taking that aerobics class you saw in the paper, or joining the book club you heard about at the library. There are so many ways for us to connect with the world around us, without having to leave our own hometowns. Remember that no one has seen God, but they can certainly see Him in you.