Called to Communion

We live in an increasing polarized age. There are many factors that go into our divisions, into our isolation, into our grouping by grievances. The extremes re-enforce themselves and push the extremes. The fear of switching tribes is real because the costs are high. It’s not as simple as arguing to change someone’s mind, more and more an argument is a challenge to someone’s identity.

The church has a great advantage, even if we don’t always press it. When we make disciples, we do call others to a new, and radical confession. Jesus is Lord, follow Him. He is the only way, truth, and life. Turning from previously held hostilities and priorities is big.

But we are, or should not be, calling others into a merely intellectual shift, we are calling them to communion.

It’s striking that the process of making disciples in the Great Commission begins with a new identity in baptism. The disciple is marked in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity matters from the start, and part of this is a clear turn from idols. Which God do you worship? This one, the true one, revealed as One in three Persons.

But as good as it is to move away from false gods, the move is also into fellowship. As the Father and Son and Spirit enjoy love that honors and gives among each other, so they love and give and enjoy us who worship.

Christians not only make a particular profession, we enjoy being a loved people. This communion is for all who believe.