Human nature is such that we love to divide ourselves over all kind of issues. That’s a pretty self-evident claim. Birds of a feather do flock together. Even when we think we’re being inclusive, our inclusivity has it’s limits. Sports, politics and religion are the easy targets, but in just about every aspect of our lives, we are experts at being subtle and nuanced in our ability to create division.
As Christians, we of all people need to recognize we’re all in the same boat. The prophet Jeremiah recognized this and encouraged the Jewish exiles in Babylon to “seek the welfare of the city.” Really? A pagan city? And yet, Jeremiah’s call echoes Jesus’ later admonition to be in the world but not of it. In case you read right over it, he really did say to be in the world.
“This says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you in exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” 29:4-7
Divison, no matter how well intentioned, destroys connection and starves relationships. If you follow Christ, you have a mandate to engage and redeem culture. However redemption is only possible through relationship. And relationship, especially with those who aren’t “like minded” is dangerous, vulnerable and messy.
It doesn’t take much courage to look down on others. To reach up and to reach out and to seek the welfare of something as diverse as a city is, well, another story altogether.