Living in a world on the move
Part 2- As we go and as we receive
For many of us the question of “where is home?” is becoming much more difficult to answer. We move to study, and then maybe for a job. Sometimes these moves even mean that we live in a different country too. As followers of Jesus how do we adapt to this? And how do we live well for him in this mobile world?
In my first article we looked at the Christian communities of the New Testament and the qualities that should characterise the communities we are part of today. In this second article I will look more specifically at how we relate to these communities as we move and also how we receive and welcome those that join our communities.
Since I moved to Thailand three years ago I have been trying to adapt to living in a new place and culture. It’s not always been easy. I want to put down roots into this new place and settling into a condo. Buying a plant seems symbolic of the stability I want. As I’ve been thinking about this issue, I am beginning to realise that in this more mobile world often our roots don’t go down into the ground to root us in one place. Instead, they often spread horizontally in a network of relationships that easily cross gaps of place and time. It seems that as people have decreased connections to place and struggle to know which place to call ‘home’, it is their connections to other people that are more important, their relationships and the communities they are part of.
If we are to thrive in this more transient society, we need that rootedness, and Christian communities should be place where true relationships and genuine, loving community is found.
As you go…
As students move to study in different places, finding authentic communities to be part of is important, to have somewhere they can belong. If you are preparing to move, or have already moved, prioritise finding a community, and persevere, don’t be put off by superficial difference to what you are used to. Utilise support systems from other places, which is made so much easier now that communication is easily possible. But also remember that God has made us with physical bodies, nothing can replace face to face conversations, a hug from a friend, a hand on a shoulder to remind us that we’re not alone. So use support from other places, but cautiously, truly live in the place that you are living, not in a shadowy virtual world. Struggle, learn, grow, and experience the joy and love that comes in joining communities centred on Christ.
Beyond our relationships to one another, our ultimate sense of ‘rootedness’ must come from God himself. Paul was able to live in many places, many situations, endure hardship and suffering. Yet in all of this he said that he had learned to be content in whatever the situation. Verses in Jeremiah remind us where our roots should be for a fruitful and satisfied life.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
We may move physically, from one town or country to another, but we never need feel completely uprooted. Our roots can remain strong in Him.
As we receive…
It is a joy and a privilege to welcome new members of our communities with the love of Christ. As we have received the love of God lavished on us, as his representatives we can share this love with others. As we care for the stranger, we are truly serving Christ. This is not always easy. We must adjust ourselves, step out of our comfort zone of shared and common understanding and be willing to give and also to receive in a new and broadened horizon of our view of the world.
- We should love practically. Think about the day-to-day needs of someone new to your area. What might be difficult for them and how can you help?
- Love honestly and openly, be willing to be vulnerable and weak. Welcome people into your life, your home, your heart.
- Love is ready to receive as well as to give. Be prepared to learn from your new friend, as well as teaching them. Expect to gain new perspectives on yourself and your culture as well experiencing insights into another way of life. Learn more of the wonderful diversity of the world our God has made.
So finally…
Where are our roots? Is our trust in God leading to a life that is sustained and fruitful whatever the place or situation?
Do we welcome the stranger, the migrant worker, the refugee, the international student?
Are you planning to move and study in another place? Put finding a church and a community of believers as your first priority. It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it!
