ON BELONGING

There is much being written and discussed concerning the epidemic of loneliness, especially among those who are pre-teen to mid-twenties. What is interesting, and unsettling, is that this is the same group that is most locked into digital media and entertainment. Is it what happens when we confuse ‘categories of belonging’ with actual relationships?

One may ‘belong to several groups’ and have identity with each one and still be lonely and feel they don’t belong to anything or anyone. I don’t think this dynamic is anything new, just the medium and process. I also don’t think it is new to be ‘tribal’ and not feel a part of the tribe. We belong, but we don’t belong.

I recall when I was growing up that as a tribe we were taught the certainly of the church group (tribe) rather than the certainty of Christ. Certainty and identity in Christ would come much later for me. This too was confusion of the idea of belonging to…as having actual relationship. I still believe it is a strong delusion for many. Perhaps many Christians are lonely and without relationship because of this very issue. By belonging to the ‘right group’ and yet not knowing who we are, is an empty, fragile and sterile way to live no matter what we or others use to identify us. We can be part of a tribe and still not belong or have relationships.

Belonging comes the day we hear the Father say: “This is my beloved son/daughter, in whom I am very well pleased.” Belonging to anything else comes after that. What’s my name? Do I know you?

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal Life. They shall never perish, nor shall anyone snatch them from my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them from my Father’s hand. My Father and I are one.” Jesus