Circles

Interesting geometric figure, the circle. Quite easy to define:
'a closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center.' (www.dictionary.com) In other words, a circle is an infinite succession of dots, all on the same plane, all the same distance (the radius) from the center.
But this isn't about geometry.
Circles can enclose or exclude. You can make the radius large enough to include something, or small enough to exclude it.
Your circle of friends can include me, or not. It depends on how your draw the circle.
You can choose to be picky regarding age, culture, color or social standing. You can even use criteria like favorite hockey team, pizza or style of music to determine if someone is in or out.
Sometimes the size of the circle is a response to someone else's criteria. They don't call you a friend, so you exclude them as well.
Or, you can choose to be bigger than them. They draw a circle that counts you out, but you draw a larger circle that draws them in.

Outwitted

"He drew a circle that shut me out--
Heretic, a rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!"

Edwin Markham

Circles

"He drew a circle that shut me out
He was afraid of what life was all about.
Whenever I saw him he'd be there inside him
Locking his heart in a place to hide it.
But oh love and I knew just where to begin.
Yes love and I started a circle within
Oh love and I.
We drew a circle, a beautiful circle,
A wonderful circle that took him in."
Captain And Tennille

We really don't need more walls, walls that separate and divide.
Some of our small circles and high walls have been many years in the making. We learn a lot as we are growing up. Racial and socio-economic classes are ingrained at an early age.
"They aren't like us, we don't associate with people like them."
It's not only cultural or financial issues that can divide us. As terrible as it may seem, even religious and denominational lines can be drawn to separate. Things that don't seem to bother God at all, but sure stir up a hornet's nest among His kids. Do you use wine or grape juice for communion? How and when do you baptize people? What version of the Bible do you use?
Sure, we have our reasons for doing things the way we do, BUT IS IT REALLY WORTH MAKING ENEMIES OVER???
What does Jesus say?
"The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind" John 17:21, The Message
"This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples--when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:35 The Message
Draw big circles.
Break down the dividing walls.

Break Dividing Walls

"There is a place of commanded blessing
Where brethren in unity dwell
A place where anointing oil is flowing
Where we live as one

You have called us to be a body
You have called us as friends
Joined together in the bond of the Spirit
Unto the end

Father we join with the prayer of Jesus
As you are so let us be one
Joined together in unity and purpose
All for the love Your Son

We will break dividing walls
We will break dividing walls
We will break dividing walls
In the name of your Son
We will break dividing walls
We will break dividing walls
And we will be one"

Words and Music: David Ruis
©1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing