In a conversation I was having a while back around issues of faith and community, a friend said something to the effect of, “A defining factor in Christian community is that people interact in such a way to build one another up.”

I have thought about this so many times since that night.  I’ve thought about how I agree with the statement.  I’ve tried to make further sense of it.  I’ve thought about whether or not I see this lived out or not.  I keep thinking about it.

It just seems that much of our world is about getting ahead.  At whatever cost, we will make another dollar, get a promotion, prove our point, hold our ground or get our way.

Perhaps one of the most attractive things about Christianity, is that it offers an alternative way for people.  One where we look to the interests of others.  We strive for unity.  We work together.

Perhaps one of the the biggest dissapointments of Christianity is when our alternative way is actually no different.  When people who claim to follow God only do so in words, but in deed, follow some other way.  When people who position themselves in places of Christian leadership, lead in such a way to get ahead…often at any cost.  When Christian community actually causes harm to people.

During our discussion, some things were offered that I am compelled by.  Often, people are reprimanded, fired or excluded, though never given clear direction, help, suggestions or expectations (Many years ago, I was working at a church where a colleague was fired because they were not performing at the desired level.  I distinctly remember being disturbed by this, mostly because this person was never given a chance.)  The alternative way, one where relationship would trump production…one could call this a Christian way if they’d like…might look more like this.

When someone drops the ball, even big time failure.  I could first think through how I could help that person improve, help them succeed.  I could freely share my expectations of them, I could let them know they blew it, but they need not fear.  I wonder how work environments might change, how Christian community might change, if we all believed and experienced this alternative way.  A way where we don’t work from fear of being fired or go the extra mile just to get a raise.

Not easy.

Last week my wife and I were in Palm Springs for a 24 hour get away.  While lounging in the pool, an employee of the hotel was changing the Pool Rule sign.  He was hand writing the capacity in permanent ink…and I was watching.  He wrote pool 500.  No way would the pool hold 500 people, maybe 50.  He noticed his omission and laughed.  What he meant to write was pool deck.  So he quickly added the word deck, but spelled it deak.  So the pool deak capacity is 500, what that is.  Ali and I chuckled, but why did I not say something?  I knew at best this guy would be humiliated, at worse…well probably not fired over it but who knows.  While I swam thinking, another lady quietly walked up and pointed out the mistake, smiled with him and he fixed it.

That was it.  That is what needed to be done.  And it was done (not by me).

I believe letting our guards down and living in a way that begins to move us to another way is what we need most.  It will bring people groups together.  All people groups.  Differences would no longer divide.  Barriers no long break us apart.  Arguments would turn to encouragement.  And all would be better for it.

This is at the heart of the Christian ethic, to be reconciled to one another.  It is the declaration of Psalm 133:  How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.  It is what I keep thinking about.  And it is my hope…to see it lived out through my life.

I filled out my 2010 census today, so I am officially counted for the next 10 years.  But I wish it was that simple, the whole thing has got me thinking.

The questions were simple.  What is your name?  What is your age?  When is your birthday?  Male or female?  Race? Do you live anywhere else?  That was it, easy.  Nothing else is required to be counted, but what really counts, what really matters.  My age, name and my race are all things about me, but these aren’t what count, or what I want to be known, or known for.

I want my life to stand for something.

The only memorable census is the one that began the story of One, the One whose life counted in an entirely different way.  The One who offered opportunity to each life thereafter, to you and to me, to count, not just be counted.

That census, long ago, shook things up, it changed things…well beyond establishing a city’s population.

I wonder if the census this year might ignite anything in me or in you?  Will I make a difference?  Will I make the most of every opportunity?  Will I take hold of this life, and live it to its fullest capacity?  Will I embrace the One who gave me life, and live in his Way?

In 10 years, when the census roles around again, most things will be the same (except my age).  I will be counted again.  But I wonder, how will my years will be accounted for?