His name is really Jason Petty, but he's known as "Propaganda." A Los Angeles-based Christian hip-hop artist and poet, he grew up the only black child in a Mexican neighborhood and later a suburban all-white neighborhood.
He was always the outsider and now seems especially equipped to reach across racial and cultural divides to bring about understanding. Jim and I heard him via satellite at the Q Commons event held at the Skyline Club recently where Jim also spoke (not via satellite).
During a difficult youth, spent trying to fit into a world where everyone was different, Jason Petty says he learned this:
"We are not called to sameness. We are called to oneness."
Paul wrote to the Colossians that we are "called to be one body." One body. But of course, people are very different. In my opinion that's why we have many kinds of churches and many forms of worship. But shall we let those differences divide us when we agree we are following The One God?
Interestingly, Jesus did not despise differences or discount those whose beliefs were varied. When he sent his disciples out to deliver the good news, he admonished them in Luke 10 to "eat anything that is offered to you." In throwing off important Jewish rules and beliefs on what and how to eat, Jesus was indicating that our personal practices are nothing compared with His commandment to "love our neighbors."
When Christians divide themselves by claiming superior beliefs or worship modes we tear down the Church Eternal. Lincoln wrote "A house divided against itself cannot stand." But he didn't invent those words. They come from Matthew 12: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation." Every kingdom, brought to desolation.
News flash: Matthew's prediction has begun. There is spreading desolation in parts of our inner city. There are churches without funds—whose leaders need money and help. They may not do everything the same as a supporting church might do, but again are we looking for sameness or oneness in Christ? Will we eat what they eat or walk away from the opportunity to help because if we can't pitch, we take our bat and ball and go home?
Today we are called to link arms with those whose lights are dimming. To eat what they eat. To share their burdens and the love of Christ. We must ask ourselves if we are the disciples or those who bring desolation? Tough call.
Peace,
Nancy
