We Don’t Belong

The world is an enticing place, is it not? Who isn’t entranced by the wonders of nature? Human inventions bedazzle us daily. And humanity, with all its diversity of language, colour and customs, is marvelous. With Louis Armstrong we croon, “What a Wonderful World.”

Yet, we don’t belong. We have been created and placed here; we have been given dominion over it, but we don’t belong. We are outsiders. Sojourners. Exiles. We don’t belong.

We blend in well. We would be hard pressed to pick out God’s people from a crowd. We drive the same cars, eat the same food, live in the same types of houses, sing the same songs. Sadly, we sometimes espouse the same values.

Last fall I signed up for a carving class. I turned up for the first class only to be told, “You don’t belong. These are all experienced carvers. Look elsewhere.” I wasn’t pleased. We like, no, we need to belong.

We don’t belong. We are different. God’s Spirit has been blown into us, it leads us, guides us, instills in us new values and hopes. We love, forgive, care for, accept others, as God in Christ has us, all characteristics of the One to whom we truly belong: God.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that we belong to you. Amen. — DAB