One of the curiosities of having worked on several continents has been to try the culinary of different countries where we’ve been appointed. It is interesting how people always think that the food from their own land is tastier, although for the foreigner it might taste horrible.
The reality is that we get used to the flavors of our childhood and these flavors become so natural to us despite being strange to those from abroad. When I was a child my father, from Scandinavian descent, shared with my brothers and I small liquorice candies that he received from Denmark. These candies have a very peculiar taste that one needs to grow up eating them to really appreciate it.
The fact is that when I eat one of these candies the flavor takes me back to my childhood days when my father would include me in his busy agenda. Although for me it means remembering the tender and protective presence of my father, to others might only mean a rare and disgusting flavor.
The body of Christ is formed by believers of totally distinct origins and experiences, some appreciate a more traditional liturgy, others a more contemporary one, some prefer a more imposing leadership, others a more participatory one, some wish for a more intellectual service, others a more emotional one, besides many other existing differences.
Nevertheless, we must never forget that what unites us is greater than what separates us. In Christ all believers have found salvation and new life, and this discovery allows us to have true unity amongst ample diversity. In Christ there is hope for all! To accept the differences and coexist healthily with diversity is the natural result of those who have found Christ as Savior.
- Which foods do you prefer, and which do you avoid?
- When is the unity compromised by the differences?
(The prayer for unity, John 17:20-21 / The expression of unity, Galatians 3:28-29)