Finding common ground

In her March 17, 2024, “Our Daily Bread” devotional, Christian author Xochitl Dixon wrote about her experience as a children’s book author and shared how she joined a Christian writers’ group. The group’s members prayed for each other and promoted one another’s books. Dixon observed how some outside the group believed they were “foolish for working with competitors.”

This was different from how members saw one another. They focused on how readers could experience God’s kingdom, not how each author competed with fellow authors. Dixon explained, “We shared the same goal – spreading the gospel. We served the same King – Jesus. Together, we’re reaching more people with our witness for Christ.”

Far too many focus on how we differ instead of what we have in common. This may seem small, but it radically impacts our perspective. When I see other believers as competitors instead of co-workers, I will not view them as teammates.

I am not suggesting there are no differences in denominations or congregations. There certainly are. However, if we are honest, what we share is usually far greater than the areas where we differ; our similarities are more significant than the things that separate us.

The Apostle Paul expressed it this way, “…you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:5-6, NLT)

Were there differences in the early church? Studying the New Testament makes it clear there indeed were. However, Paul focused on how these early believers worked together instead of being obsessed with the areas they were different.

While this is true in the Christian community, it is also a reality in our jobs and country. It is easy to see others as threats instead of as people of worth. However, when we do, we inevitably view others as enemies instead of friends.

Rather than focusing on how we compete with one another or how others may be wrong, we need to realize we can learn from even those with whom we disagree. While none of us will ever agree on everything, almost everyone has something to teach us.

Let me be clear. I am not suggesting we should never stand up for what we believe or that there is no truth. However, though we need to know what we believe, we should be willing to search for common ground and be aware that we can learn things even from those whose perspective is very different from our own.