"Cross the Line"

"This is where I draw the line" an often stated imperative generally exclaimed after being pressured, pushed, or unjustly punished.  These types of lines are necessary for our well-being. Conversely, other lines exist that we must dare to cross (for the well-being of others and our own). We live in a society where lines of demarcation both invisible and visible are drawn to divide people, communities, cultures, genders, etc. all to the peril of the greater good.

Many are aware of the proverbial other side of the tracks, many have heeded warnings of don't cross the line, don't take the risk! The refusal of confessing Christians to cross the line is detrimental to (fulfilling) and contrary to the message of Jesus Christ. Our unwillingness to cross the line signals our rejection that "God created all humankind in God's image."  Furthermore, neglecting to cross the line is to embrace "the god of this world (satan) who has blinded both the believer and non-believer" (II Corinthians 4:4). Our reluctance to cross the line denies the human worth and human dignity of all.

The line whether visible or invisible has become the god

determining who is significant or insignificant.

Through our avoidance of the line, we are choosing fear and ignorance; thereby,undermining the other – fracturing not only humanity but the Creator who said: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature. . . so they can be responsible for the Earth” (Genesis 1:26).

Remaining on our side of the line elevates homogeneity to a celebrated norm.

In our disregard to cross the line we never learn or realize our shared womb, Genesis 2:7, "the LORD God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life's breath into his nostrils. The human came to life". Yes,we are different. Yes, we have cultural distinctions. Yes, we have varied approaches to problem-solving. Yes, the most obvious is our unique hues of black, brown, red, yellow and white. BUT we share the same Father because we were all created by the Divine.  Right? Don’t all Christians begin their most known prayer, ”Our Father who art in heaven?” 

However, we have yet to meet many of our sisters and brothers 

because we refuse to Cross the Line!

In team building or diversity training, there is an exercise named “Cross the Line”. People are divided into two groups and placed on separate sides of a large room facing one another.The facilitator then names an assortment of life events inviting the participant to step forward when it pertains to themselves or someone they know.  With each step forward they cross a line! In my experience either as a participant or leader, everyone discovers they have more in common with their different classmates, coworkers, church members, camp or retreat roommates, etc. then previously thought – Only because they Crossed the Line!

Jesus invites us, no Jesus instructs us to Cross the Line!

Mark 16:15 “You are to go to all the world…”

In James 2:1, the writer warns his audience and today’s Christian community against creating lines (divisions): “My friends, as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance (or perceived/created differences)”.

Clearly lines existed in this Christian community and are prevalent in our culture and today’s Christian community. Where do you need to Cross the Line and who do you need to meet: Addicts, Africans, Arabs, Asians, Atheists, Blacks, Christians (outside of your denomination), Democrats, Gays, Healthy folks, Hispanics, Independents, Jews, Muslims, Poor people, Recovering Addicts, Republicans, Sick people, Straights, Wealthy folks, Whites,_______?

WILL YOU CROSS THE LINE. . .

Much Love,

Pastor Singleton