A Little Good News!

A weekly reflection from a member of the Hastings clergy By Paris Pasch Pastor of The Journey Church in Hastings

In today’s world we often find that division is the typical order of the day. We disagree on how someone else sees the world around us and it becomes the force that separates us. We see very nice people act like members of rival gangs who violently criticize others or defend their turf. We learn to live with anger and hatred rather than seek healing and hope. Most of us tolerate the caustic and bitter world of division and yet we don’t seem to be able to choose another path. We often choose to simply accept our separation, rather than pursue unity or harmony. Sadly, the goal is often to find who we can blame for our plight and the division becomes entrenched. If anything has become systemic it is division.

However, many of us know the power of working together on a simple project. I’ve personally had many occasions to need a helper on a project I’m working on. When no one else is there, the whole project suffers and so do I. But a simple pair of hands working in harmony can change the whole experience. Listen to what God has to say about this in the Bible.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I have long desired to live as a bridge builder between people and people groups. It’s not always easy because our culture celebrates independence and personal rights over harmony and community. Besides building bridges is just plain hard work and requires huge sacrifices. However bridge building and walking together can afford us a new vantage point and a new awareness. We can benefit greatly by someone else’s input. We don’t need to agree or become allies, but we do need to be gracious to our fellow planet walkers. Maybe we need to shift from our “my way or the highway” thinking that is so often the path in our present culture. Maybe we need less loner mentality and more together philosophy.

The reality is that walking together, even with those who differ from you, can be very enlightening. So stop trying to make others just like you and simply offer them the opportunity to see through your lenses for just a moment.