The Fourth Lausanne Congress in South Korea

Paul’s starting point is ‘The body is one’! I wonder if we should consider staying in this bit of the verse longer than we might normally? It is so easy to rush past these first few words to get to the bit that acknowledges our differences and then use that to justify why we might separate ourselves from others. But did Paul recognise our tendency to position our focus there? Is that why he not only starts but also finishes by drawing attention back to the ‘one body’? Which after all, is our new identity in Christ.

For me, hearing the first hand testimonies of members of His body, this week, living through persecution and trials of many kinds, has meant that God’s intention for us to stand as one, carries significant challenge! And yet, the vibrancy of faith and radical, obedient, discipleship modelled by these brothers and sisters was transforming.

If we challenge ourselves to root our identity in the One Body, how might that influence our attitude and choices this week? What changes could that lead to in my context I wonder? I know I can think of a couple quite quickly!

We will be looking to organise opportunities to pick up on many of the other conversations that have been happening at the congress over the coming weeks and months.

It has been wonderful to see the body coming together on a global level in a spirit of humility to learn and stand alongside each other. This week, I was also reminded of those places in the world where peace and unity are not flourishing. We continue to hold the intensifying situation in the Middle East, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the other conflicts around the world up to the Prince of Peace.

Let’s also continue to hold in prayer our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted, as well as those in our network such as Release International and 3P ministries, seeking to serve and support them.