Unique yet connected

This morning during centering some thoughts along the lines of defining boundaries drifted in. To enter into life we each are to nurture, respect and engage our unique individuality. At the same time we are to nurture, respect and engage others. The author, C.S. Lewis, wrote mainly to express foundational truths for Jesus followers but he specifically added that after the grand entry room of faith there were many smaller rooms. Those smaller rooms include Roman Catholics, Orthodox (various varieties), Presbyterians, Methodists, etc. Each of us then needs to find a smaller room that uniquely fits us and live into that area.

While there are important either/or areas of life, this may be a both/and. Somehow, at the same time each of us is unique, is part of larger groups, part of all of humanity and to some extent part of all creation. The example of breathing may be helpful. Working from the largest commonality - all of creation breathes the same atmosphere – plants, animals, humans. Within that framework all humans share the common function of breathing. Then there is the uniqueness of Jesus followers who recognize pneuma (breathe) as the Holy Spirit, one of the Trinitarian aspects of God. Then within that there are those who pay more attention to the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as Charismatics or Pentecostals.

As I continue to reflect on these three frameworks of humanity, I find that instead of initially arguing with someone’s perspective I can first of all clarify for myself which level of commonality they are engaging at that moment (Humanity, Jesus follower, theological uniqueness within the Jesus followers). I can then respond to the person with that in mind and not be as concerned about making sure they have all their jots and tittles correct. This frees me to engage with others where they are and to pursue my own unique calling within the scope and sphere of all of humanity.