While contemplating today's passage I remembered the recent death of Nelson Mandela and the hundreds of thousands who viewed his body as it lay in state. Some estimates say that for 3 days more than 2000 people per hour viewed his body before going to his final resting place. What made the viewing more special, at least to me, was that it took place in the same place where Mr. Mandela was sworn in as South Africa's first black president just 19 years earlier.
Mr. Mandela was the unifying force for his country, finding ways to bring people from polar opposite ends of a racial-privileged spectrum together for the betterment of the country as a whole. That unification didn't come easy as many of those who enjoyed the wealth of privilege weren't willing to give up their socioeconomic standings. But, with perseverance and a peaceful approach Mr. Mandela was able to bring an end to apartheid in his country.
For the first time in a very long time the people of South Africa had the same chances at achieving happiness for their lives; whatever that happiness would be for them. Such is what Paul tried to do for the people of his time as well.
Paul, through his personal revelation of Jesus Christ's purpose on earth, is trying his best to unify all people under one love through the revelation that through Jesus Christ we can finally see that we are all parts of the same body and that by strengthening ourselves through our diversities and finding a way to work together we, the church, can help others achieve the happiness in life they desperately seek.
God's light shines in all living things. Let's work together to help that light shine bright for all the world to see.
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