Reflections from the Heart

Have we emptied the Cross of its power? How can we tell?

The promise that attracted us to Christianity in the first place is that no matter what we may have done, a life dedicated to Christ is a changed life. Our relationship with Christ means transformation. Things of which we have no control in our lives can be controlled. Issues of sinfulness are forgiven. Feelings of worthlessness are erased. We find purpose and hope in Christ. These are the promises of the Cross. This is where all our questions are answered. This is where everything makes sense. We all are equal in the shadow if its glory.

So where do we go wrong? How is it that we so readily walk away from the Cross and onto our soap boxes of self-righteousness? Isn't that how divisiveness develops - when two people believe different things? Isn't this how lines are drawn and teams formed? Aren't these the foundations to conflict and war? Aren't these the seeds to hate, pride, envy, and bitterness?

Jesus, however, is not calling for mindless conformity. He glorifies our differences in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) and lifted our uniqueness with His healings and teachings. He constantly reached out to the outcasts and embraced them for their differences. He invited them to the banquet and gave them the seats of honor.

So how can we honor all that is unique in an individual but refrain from allowing those differences to create divisiveness and conflict? How do we resolve the differences in ways that the kingdom of God is glorified? How do we open the love of God to the world and not just to those who think as we think? How do we refrain from closing the doors to the kingdom by pontification, justification, and rationalization? But most importantly how do we keep our focus on the love of Christ and live holy lives immersed in His truth?

Is there an easy answer? Is there one Bible verse that bridges all our differences? Is there a common bond that can be used to bring the kingdom of heaven to the world? John writes that Jesus came to save the world not to condemn it. (John 3:17) Is this verse enough to bridge our differences? Should our actions reflect salvation instead of condemnation? Is it too idealistic to simply use love as a guideline in an attempt to follow the great commandments? (Matt. 22:37-40) Or is the love of God revealed when we focus on the Cross as Paul indicated to the Corinthians? (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Is there hope for Christianity in this modern day world of selfish pursuits? Or are we always destined to fall short? Should we simply accept that we will stray from unity and our lives will always be filled with conflict? Will there always be differences of opinion that isolate people from God's influence and empty the Cross of its power?

Any effort at eliminating the differences between us will probably be a failed waste of time but would it hurt to try?