When the flags go up at College, I know Unite week is coming. 

I love the colours the flags bring as they represent the variety that different nations bring to our College.

Yet amongst all this variety, what is it that unites us? Our modern society does not have the answer. We are told that diversity is good but we are not allowed to speak specifics aloud lest it be construed as racism, sexism, or any other -ism.

The bible has a good idea for unity:

26 All of you are God's children because of your faith in Christ Jesus…28 Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman. 29 So if you belong to Christ, you are now part of Abraham's family… (Galatians 3)

This passage shows what belonging is not about - nationality, money, or gender. It also shows us that equality has nothing to do with being the same. It is faith in Jesus that makes us family – this is not a metaphor but an eternal reality. To believe in Jesus is to become part of an international family.

What do we do with this? Let’s stop looking for people like us and get to know people unlike us. If it is faith that unites us, makes us equal, and give us true belonging then getting to know another culture can only add spice and colour to our life.  Why not invite someone from the College Community over for a meal so they experience your culture? Spice up their life.

If you consider yourself a Christian, think about challenging your own culture. I am a Uruguayan Christian, and while I love my culture, I do question aspects of it.  I will not let my Uruguayan-ness compromise my faith in Jesus. When I challenge my culture and make changes to how I live it, I am really sanctifying it for the next generation.