The Number One Need Of Every Human Being : Connection

I noticed something very interesting as I do my daily walk around my neighbourhood. Every time I am passed by someone else out exercising there is either a nod of the head or a smile that is exchanged. This is true whether it is someone walking, running, or cycling. It seems to be an acknowledgement that we are sharing in something together, that we have something in common. Perhaps it is something that you have noted between bikers, truckers, bus drivers or any group of people that share something in common.

The most common basic need that is shared among us humans is the need for connection. We have this deep seeded need to belong to something that is greater than ourselves, to feel part of something. This is not a need that everyone has found met in their lives and is a real challenge for any community, to ensure that everyone feels like they belong and are valued.

I heard recently that unity does not mean uniformity. In fact, real unity requires diversity in order to be strong. The example I gave of my connection with other exercisers is a good illustration of diversity. I walk and cycle but I spend more time walking. Yet this doesn't seem to make a difference to the jogger who nods his head to acknowledge our unity. The cyclist who passes by does not look down on me as a lesser being but smiles broadly in celebration that he is not alone in his effort.

The community in which my family and I live is large and is beautifully diverse. Each neighbourhood is unique in character, charm and architecture. Where one lives does not make you any more or less part of the community. Neither does the colour of your skin, your place of origin, or your opinion on various matters. Our geography and the challenges within that territory are things we all have in common. The laws apply to everyone in the same way no matter the diversity of thinking concerning them.

If this is true for the things of this world how much more when considering the unity of the Body of Christ. It doesn't matter where we live, what we do, the language we speak, the colour of our skin or even our diversity of thought. What matters is the territory that we belong to, the Kingdom of God, and the one we belong to, our Lord Jesus Christ. We share in the same Spirit and the same love. We come from the same Father.

Unfortunately too many of us see no difference between unity and uniformity. There are believers who think there is no way for unity to exist without uniformity.  Yet, Paul described a beautifully diverse Body in 1 Corinthians 12. The unity was found in what we had in common which is the headship of Jesus and the unifying relationship of the Spirit. I heard it said that unity is not something we make but something that exists wherever the Spirit has influence.

Paul recognized the challenge of people understanding diversity within unity so he said he would show us how it was possible. Then he gave us the great chapter on love in 1 Corinthians 13. So again, unity is not our work but is the work that Jesus completed. We only need to learn surrender in relationship and then to walk in the Spirit. He produces unity where he has influence. It is possible to disagree with someone and still stand united with them when that person is more important to us than the disagreement. It's all about the people.

Perhaps I should focus that by saying what is important is the connection with people, that everyone knows they belong and are valued. If this is not the culture that exists within our various tribes then we are not following the Biblical expression of the Body of Christ. No one should feel undervalued by any believer in Christ because the relationship with Christ by itself defines our value.

The real power of our witness will not be seen until the world can see unity empowered by love in the Body of Christ.