The people who came in were there for a common reason although they all looked different coming from different places and different families. They didn’t know each other. Their commonality was noticeable as they all asked about each other and shared an unspoken understanding of life. Their focus was on each other and how much they shared in common. Even strangers had smiles or looks of concern for other strangers as they shared their stories. Doors were opened for others and seats made available for those in need of them. The unity and comradery were visible and pleasant. All who came in shared something in common and that something was celebrated as the tie that held them all together…they all were pet owners.
Having a pet is a thing. It is amazing the conversations one can have with other pet owners. The love and loss of pets brings people together. The shared difficulties and joys are topics of conversation bringing total strangers together. This unity stems from a similar object of love. The idea that a common love can unify is not new. As a matter of fact, this is what a veterinarian’s office has in common with a local body of believers called the church. Now, I know this sounds kind of silly, but it struck me when I went to pick up my dog, Oliver.
At the vet’s, pets are the main object of love of those who are there. At church, the main object of love is Jesus. At least, it should be. And this love should unify us. We come into the building as the church from different families and places. We share our stories and look at each other with smiles or with concerns. We make others feel special and wanted and we celebrate our common love. We celebrate Jesus and what He has done for us. He is our common bond despite all the differences in the world. Our love for Him is the topic of our conversations and the tie that binds.
Unity is what God commands His church to preserve. Unity is what He gave the church and love for Him is what keeps it. Our commonality is not just about shared hobbies or interests in worldly things. Our commonality is Christ alone and the redemption freely given to us. Our love for Him draws us together and identifies us as His church. We get to meet together and talk about our common love even though we are different in many ways. Just like some can be known as pet owners, we can and will be known as His. By this, all men will know we are His disciples by our love for one another which flows from our primary love for Him! John 13:34-35.
Thoughts to ponder:
What do I love so much that I talk it about it most of the time? Am I eager to talk about my love for Jesus and all He has done for me? Do I share what He is doing in my life as I am being transformed by Him? What am I known for? When others think of me, would they say that I am someone who loves Jesus? Is our redemption our strongest connection?
Oh, that we would be known for more than what we love here on earth even our pets! Let us be known for our great love for Jesus. This is our common bond in the church!