Reconnecting

Something I hear often from my friends outside the church is this: I’m spiritual but not religious… I’m sure you’ve heard this too. I even said it myself. And usually, it is said meaning: I’m not into all the rules of religion. On reflection, however, the word religion actually has a powerful origin. It comes from the Latin, re-ligio – to re-ligament – to reconnect – to reconnect with God. In Christianity, there is a strong emphasis on reconnecting with other people as a way of reconnecting with God.

In that sense, I want to be religious. I want to play a role in reconnecting people with each other and with God. The truth is, in this day and age, we need more people like this. We need more people who are willing to let go of their egos, and their need to be right. We need more people who can let go of the differences that divide and work instead towards bringing folks together.

In his second letter to the Corinthians (6:17-18), the Apostle Paul wrote:

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…

Let us pray: As you have loved us, O God, help us to love others. As you have reconciled us to yourself, may we work toward reconciliation with others. Use us even now as ambassadors of your grace. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.