Uncommon Ground

Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ…1 Corinthians 9:22

Believe it or not, this photo was taken in North London—not North Carolina. These guys pumped out some of the rawest rhythm & blues I’ve ever heard, this side of the River Thames. Even from far off, my ears were pulled in like magnets by the high-voltage funk. When I got closer, my eyes were quite surprised.

I soon realised that these musicians had much more in common than wheel chairs and grey hair. They possessed the true spirit of the blues, where anyone can join the jam, as long as you play from deep down inside your soul. No posers or X-factor* wannabees aloud.

Paul the apostle was known to attend many ‘jams’ among various cultures in his journeys; and he always brought along his gospel gig-bag. Whilst in Athens, he went on an impromptu tour of the synagogues and marketplaces. When some pagan philosophers heard the exciting new sound they invited Paul to be the opening act at an exclusive Athenian venue called Mars Hill. After plugging into the Spirit’s lead he introduced himself by saying, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.”

He then gave a very punk rock description of the ‘Unkown God’ to whom they had already built a statue for. He even quoted one of their own poets to preach the gospel of Jesus! Paul simply understood that he wasn’t importing anything new, but simply shining a fresh light on what the Lord was already doing there. I bet he gave a little wink to that statue before going on stage.

As humans, we all share much more than we realise with those who look and sound nothing like us. Sadly, many of us rarely take the time to discover this. You don’t have to be an globe-trotting apostle to dive into alien situations and see how God has already set the stage for miracles.

So who is that person(s) you silently avoid because of the misguided assumption that you share ‘nothing in common’? At least one thing’s for sure—our feet are all stuck to the same big ball.

Let’s pray for our friends in Zimbabwe today.

Sincerely,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

*X-factor = Britain’s gift to the TV talent-show pool of the world.

Best (photo) guesses from last week:

- “Parent Talent Night @ my son’s primary school”
- “The Freedomhouse Worship Band” (I wish)