Finding Common Ground

Finding Common Ground

Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.

Galatians 3:28 (THE MESSAGE)

It seems to be a common trait among humans to rank and classify ourselves with one another. High schools have cliques. Workplaces create teams. Churches belong to denominations. We like to have a specific place in this world. We like to surround ourselves with others with the same interests, beliefs, and lifestyles. This is true in the Amish community too. Among the Plain people there are those who are the Plainest of all.

The Swartzentrubers are generally considered to be among the most conservative sects of the Old Order Amish. The Swartzentrubers, who are named after an early bishop of the church, split from the mainline Amish church in 1917. The Swartzentrubers wanted to return to the church’s less worldly ways. . . . The Swartzentrubers differentiate themselves from their other Amish brethren by wearing muted, dark clothing. Women’s dresses are longer than those in other Amish churches.

The apostle Paul traveled to numerous cultures and shared the gospel message with a variety of people. What he discovered is that in sharing God’s Word, we need to find common ground with those different from us: “ I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some,” we read in 1 Corinthians 9:22.

In this life there will always be those who are different from us. And while each of us can be comfortable by surrounding ourselves with like-minded friends and coworkers, we also need to reach out and appreciate others’ differences. In Christ’s family there will be are no divisions. All who believe in God will partake of His goodness together.

Dear heavenly Father, today help me to find common ground with someone I’ve previously considered “different,” and may that person see Your love through my actions.