WAMKELEKILE – WELCOME – WELKOM
to CHURCH
On Sunday I attended three distinctly different Churches. Different is actually an understatement. The first was a predominantly white, traditional, Afrikaans Church whilst the second a diverse, cosmopolitan group meeting in the heart of Delft and the third, the Church where I worship, a suburban mix of young and old, reformed and charismatic.
In broad strokes, style was so different; from expressive to lots more conservative. Dress varied. In one I felt under-dressed whilst at another I was among the smart. Durbanville is a wealthy suburb whilst Delft has many poor. Also, racial differences were pronounced between the groups and one group was a combination of many cultures from across the continents whereas another represented a much smaller group. Theology carried a wide-range of variety, from charismatic to reformed, etc.
As I reflected on these differences along with others I observed I was struck by the thought that, in human terms, there is so much that keeps us separated and divided. All we would need to do is follow our natural instincts and poor would gravitate to others who are poor, rich would stick with the rich, white would meet only with white people, Xhosa would be inclined towards socialising with Xhosa speaking people, etc. And to a large degree this is what has happened and continues to happen in post-apartheid South Africa.
But tucked into a Bible passage dealing with relationships is this gem that has such deep significance for the Church in South Africa: “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11). You cannot wriggle out of the implications this verse has for us. Our biggest challenge as a nation is our diversity but it is so much more than a challenge. It presents an opportunity for the true Church to be what it could be – one new person, united under Christ, and becoming a beautiful expression of the kingdom of God on earth. I felt at home and welcomed in all three Churches. When I looked out over the respective congregations I saw brothers and sisters deeply loved by the Father. I saw family. Suddenly the power of the One who unites us overshadows any force wishing to separate us.
Yet we know that the Church in South Africa has not yet grasped the full reality and implication of this truth. We, in many cases, remain a divided and poor example of what the kingdom could and should look like. So let me take this opportunity to invite you into some relational risks as well as encourage you towards some no-brainers for those who are following Christ:
- Become intentional about stepping out of your comfort zone to befriend people who are different from you (Mark 3: 31-35).
- Behave respectfully and treat people with equal dignity. No matter who they are or what their standing is in life (James 2: 1-9).
- Become strategic with the use of your money and time so as to impact God’s family for good (Galatians 6: 9-10).
- Do what Jesus said and, practically, love your neighbour as you love yourself (Matthew 22:39).
- Pay people in your employ a proper wage (Deuteronomy 24: 14-15).
- Reject paternalistic behaviour and treat people as equals. Accept that your race, your colour, your privilege, your money, your language, your education does not put you on some higher, more favoured status in life and, in humility, accept that you can learn from others.
I close with this amazing reminder: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:1-4).
