What if we were all ‘bridges,” “together,” no like I mean at the same time?! 🤔 What if?!
This work (racial unity), has four stages and this work (responding to the prayer of Jesus that we might be one), must be embraced together! Koinos actually is the concept “together” in greek. It is the word “common” in Acts 2:44 where at Pentecost they “had all things in common.” It means “belonging to several.” Koinos begins with diversity, it progresses to unity, develops into true community, which ultimately leads to solidarity. I mean, isn’t solidarity what authentic friendship is all about? This certainly is not agreement. Koinos means, in this together, it means “for one another.” Hmmm, “one another,” I think I’ve heard that before?! Maybe it’s in the Bible? Maybe?
Ultimately this fight is for racial solidarity. Yet, only as we pursue the 4 stages can we get there. I highlight this because this fight is a marathon that needs all temperaments, and all distinctions in the fight. We must acknowledge the divides, and celebrate the distinctions in each of us! I’m not in this for homogeny. I’m in this to see a snapshot of heaven. John’s picture of heaven from Revelation 7:9 is grorious. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!””
For me, that’s what this is about. It’s to see the kingdom come, on earth, as it is in heaven. As it states in my bio, I am passionate about unity. Maybe it’s the urgings of Paul. He states, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3). Unity is the property of the Spirit. We have no right to take what never belonged to us! This is why Paul was eager to maintain it. He respected God’s property.
I don’t know, maybe it’s the impact of being a middle child. Middle Kids unite!!! ✊🏾 We are not forgotten! What?!!! Sorry, I digress. According to Dr. Kevin Leman, “The middle child tends to be the family peacekeeper and often possesses traits like agreeableness and loyalty.” My wife doesn’t always think I’m so agreeable. Oops, I digress again. Anyway, something in me wants, no, needs to hold us together. As any bridge, I want us to get to the other side.
Maybe it is the prayer of my Lord Jesus Christ. Can you see Him, can you hear Him? See the Lord with me, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be ONE, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21). WHOA!! THE WORLD WON’T BELIEVE GOD SENT JESUS IF WE ARE NOT ONE. This is more than diversity, sweeter than unity, and more together even than community. This. Is. Solidarity. For clarity, I list the four stages defined below:
- Diversity: to share the same space;
- Unity: to share the same cause;
- Community: to share the same life and;
- Solidarity: to share the same pain.
Again, Koinos is the concept “together,” meaning “belonging to several.” As it pertains to this conversation, this work, and this fight, koinos MUST be embraced. All must join the conversation. All sides must be heard. So, here is my effort to engage the issue. No, this is my effort to be a bridge. This is my hearts response to the prayer of my Lord. My God, that we might be one! Thus, my own hearts battle cry continues, “for the love of God Rudy, be a bridge.”
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