We live in a world of division; where everyone is categorized (and pigeonholed) by their differences.: gender, ethnicity, language, orientation, race, status. And difference often leads to suspicion, fear, exclusion, hatred and violence. I find it fascinating that we deal with essentially the same divisions as the early church over 2000 years ago (Colossians 3:11). “But the apostle Paul makes a bold statement: HERE, there is no division. HERE, Christ is all and is in all. Christ is the great uniter. Christ is the great equalizer. But where is ‘here’?
I believe the question is answered by one of Paul’s followup statements: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (Col. 3:15) HERE is where the peace of Christ–shalom–guides all decisions about the ‘ordering’ of our social relationships. And since Christ is ‘in all’ and we are ‘members of one body’, an ordering that excludes is ‘dis-order’ –the very antithesis of shalom.
It is so easy to fall back into categorization of one another. We are called to live by a new ‘rule’–a different ethic. Only when we are ”ruled” by the peace of Christ can we begin to watch the walls fall down and a new ‘ordering’ take shape among us.
Shalom, my friends.
Tongue on Fire 