If I were asked to describe 2020 in one word, division would make my short list. A ten-second tour any social media platform or news channel would overwhelmingly garner its support. Hourly, divisive issues are yelled about by divisive people in the most divisive ways.
With this, it can be a re-calibrating practice to ask, “Do we have anything that unites us anymore?”
In their recent little booklet, Dr. Neil Shenvri & Dr. Pat Sawyer offer three basic truths that, from the Christian worldview, all people in all places are united by.
For Christians, our fundamental identity as human beings is derived from our relationship to God.
- All human beings are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27) and therefore bear inestimable value and dignity (Ex. 20:13; Ps. 139:13-14).
- All human beings are fallen in sin (Rom 3:23; 5:12, 18a) and are therefore in need of mercy (Titus 3:5).
- And all human beings need the redemption and restoration that is only offered in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5).
These three core identity markers unite all people across lines of race, class, and gender and form a basis for solidarity. We cannot look at any human being as wholly “other” since they, like us, are image-bearers and sinners who need a Savior.
(Taken from Engaging Critical Theory & the Social Justice Movement, p. 20).
In the face of all the division 2020 and coming years may bring, followers of the Risen One must work hard to reject the false and destructive divisions many create and embrace, wash our minds afresh with the truths of Mankind’s fundamental unities, and ensure our neighbor-love grows from there alone.
You can access the booklet free here.
A Pilgrim's Friend 