Diversity and Unity…how?
Crossing Rio Grande and The Continental Divide was really profound. Such a vast and diverse country we live in. How can we enjoy and celebrate our differences yet keep our unity?
As a History minor, I have always enjoyed looking to the past to learn
(not lament) for my future.
The Roman Empire was actually an incredible example of how to keep a vast & diverse nation unified.
I am not sure how many of you know this, but to do that, they created a currency, called Charis, or our New Testament word for Grace. A wealthy benefactor, known as a patron would select a ‘client’
(peasant or working-class) to give a portion of his wealth to the ‘client’.
The conditions of the gift were that it was irrevocable (meaning they could not pay it back) and not just for the individual but for the entire family.
Because there was no other way to elevate your status back then, the client would gratefully accept and go to work using what they had been given to make more with it. That would enable the client to supply the benefactor as well as his own family. The benefactor would in turn give more, and so on and so on. The cycle would continue and the empire was not only sustained but advanced through all these unique abilities being used to benefit many.
The idea of the currency of grace being an expectation that each individual would use what they were given to make more for the benefit of the many brought unity, celebrated diversity, and sustained the community and the empire. What a fascinating and ingenious system. Who knew God would use the Romans to create it? What is He wanting to use you to create?
Have you inventoried how much you have been given lately and how that charis or grace has elevated you and your family?
Joel & I decided today to intentionally start and end our day with gratitude so that we can stay in touch with how much God has given us. Our desire is to make more out of our gratitude with all that He has so richly blessed us with. You have what this world needs. Do you see it? If not, let’s talk.
Grace to you my friend.
Recent Comments