On June 21, 2017 we will celebrate the summer solstice. Maybe celebrate isn’t an accurate word, but this will be the longest day of the year. After June 21 the sun will start to follow a lower and lower path through the sky and each day will become shorter in length. That almost seems like a metaphor for life. For me, the winter and summer solstice are two lines of demarcation in each year. These dates signify a lap around the sun like the leg of a trip on a journey. Each of us only have so many laps. When the sun is at it’s peak, it’s a good idea to look around and see with clarity.
In past times the summer and winter solstice were celebrations, think Stonehenge or Christmas in the southern hemisphere. The seasons united cultures and still today this date reminds us we are all on the same planet taking the same trip around the same star…a road-trip in the same car if you will. What have you noticed that is different during this past lap? Are you looking at the world around you or are you looking in the mirror? The days will be getting shorter but will you notice?
The longest day of the year is a time for celebrating and coming together, a time of unity. Christ knew unity was a cornerstone for thriving and surviving each trip around the sun. Right before He left this world, Jesus prayed for unity for His followers. “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23. When we unite, the world takes notice. When we are divided it does as well. With anywhere from 75% to 80% of Americans identifying as ‘Christian’ you would think the country would be much more united. What are Christians “letting the world know” this time around the sun?
So, how can we be united? “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have with one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14. Holy mackerel, no wonder there is such little unity. Most people think humility is not trumping themselves up or getting recognition for what they’ve done instead of it being a heart condition. Believers can spell forgiveness, compassion and patience but are they putting it into practice? Are we even ‘bearing’ with each other?
Take a minute or two and read the 17th chapter in John. Christ was talking to those 75% in America when He said, “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” John 17:9. With all of the anger, hurt and disunity we face in the world, Christ didn’t ask God to relieve us of another trip around the sun, only to protect us during the trip. “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” John 17:15. He constantly talks about unity when speaking to Christians. “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name -the name you gave me- so that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11.
I think it’s critical for Christians to pay more attention when Jesus calls us by name to the Father. He reminds us each loop around the sun is an intentional journey with a purpose. He doesn’t want us to ignore the trip or get off the ride. Christ knows we need shelter from the storms we face. He wants us to know He has the power to protect us from our enemy during the long days of summer. Each lap we take leads us closer to our destination, but the decisions we make on the journey define that destination.
Calling yourself a Christian without living out those virtues doesn’t make you a Christ follower or get you to heaven. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14. In simple terms, it’s easy to talk the talk but not many walk the walk. What good is it to forgive, show kindness or compassion if you don’t unite it all with love? The ride we’re on is pretty short and the means of our transportation on this journey is pretty small. Love intentionally and live with a sense of urgency each day. On June 21st it’s a fact, the days are getting shorter.
Tomorrow marks another lap in the race around the sun. Whether it’s a political race, road race or ethnic race we are all one human race. Christ followers must set the pace with virtues that unite us and not divide us. Don’t vote with anger and disunity today. Walk the walk. Make this next lap around the sun your personal best. Let your unity draw others to the Son.