Cleveland wraps up her book with the reasons why we need to start reframing our thinking, where they become we. Her reasons sound so obviously good, I wonder why we as humans have such a difficult time with this concept. When we start think of "the other" as one of us, we like them more, we're more open to learning from them, we forgive them more easily, and we treat them better. Cleveland emphasizes, though, that becoming more diverse does not mean giving up on our smaller group identities. In fact, these smaller groups we also find ourselves a part of are what make our larger group identities richer. At the end of the day, though, we ultimately need to reshape ourselves under the sovereignty and image of Jesus Christ. He wants us to jump the hurdles in front of us, Chariots of Fire-style (because why not), and pursue others in love.
I have told many stories of myself and others, when I've failed to love and change them to we, but also when I've succeeded, though there are admittedly less of those. Looking back, it feels simple. I need to stop seeing others as so different from myself, recognize that there are more similarities than I originally thought - and acknowledge that in the end, if we are nothing else, we are all human. Shouldn't that be enough of a reason to connect with someone? But it is hard, especially when it feels like the other person doesn't want to have anything to do with you. I guess in that case, you continue to see them as a beautiful human being made in the image of God, as much in need of Savior as yourself, and pray for them. We aren't called to be friends with everyone. But we are called to pursue others with love. We are called to be all things to all men. We are called to love our enemies. So, hopefully - by the grace of God - I will remember all this the next time I meet someone in whom I have a hard time seeing myself.
I believe that one way we can begin to thinking of "the other" as one of us is by recognizing that they are a child of God. Once we recognize that we are all created in the image of God, it will be easier to include them as one of us. This is a lot easier said than done. I believe it is important to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds so we can have the ability to love the stranger as Christ did. I really appreciate all of the honest stories that you shared throughout your blog. I could relate to your stories in some areas, yet some were unique and encouraged me to find new a perspective.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of viewing different individuals as "we" is, like you say, incredibly difficult. Yet, it is necessary, Cleveland states, to better unite Christians together. The Church is full of diverse people from a variety of backgrounds; it's up to us to carry the torch of unity into all our interactions. It's been a great semester reading this book, and I hope to keep it on my shelf as I venture on to become a pastor.
ReplyDelete