A Common Thread

Death, I dare say, has become somewhat common in our lives here of lately. Within the past two months, we've lost two aunts, an uncle, and a dear friend. I've attended three of the funerals; the fourth one is fast approaching. 


While sitting in the services, I'm finding a common thread. It's a thread I'm happy to find.


A common thread of the love of family, of friends, and most of all, a love of Christ.


As families, we sometimes grow a bit apart as far as schedules, distances, and life in general takes us. Nevertheless, once we're back together, the old and familiar closeness of what makes us tick as a family unit reappears--it's a nice, comforting feeling. A common thread of memories, beliefs, and behaviors that make us who we are as family members.


In the book of Ruth, after the death of her father-in-law and husband, Ruth was in a position to end her family ties to her sister-in-law and mother-in-law, yet she didn't; she knew the importance of keeping those ties. She would, without them, have no one to call family. So even as Naomi was convincing her that it was okay to go on and have her own life anew, we read that "Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God'" (1:16).


She understood that common thread.


In our lives as Christians, God has given us, as family members of his kingdom, a common thread to follow to keep us safely within the realm of that family--he gives us instructions on how to keep ourselves in line (just like a good parent). In Matthew we read that we are to make sure we keep in good relationships with our brothers and sisters on this planet while we are here. "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, then come and offer your gift" (5:22-23). 


That common thread of family peace is vital to our existence as well as our finding our path to eternity.


Another common thread I have found throughout the different funerals I have attended of late is that beautiful message that keeps us all going, no matter how sad, tired, or disillusioned we find ourselves. "For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:9-10). 


That beautiful common thread weaves us not only to one another, but meshes us with Christ and everlasting life. We are indeed blessed to be a part of this magnificent tapestry.


Peace be with you.