Lesson derived from Mortar

5/12

We must have unity, not at all costs, but at all risks.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

As a QS student, I have the opportunity to learn the different types of materials used in construction. I am often amazed by the chemical reactions between different elements, the study of matter, motion, energy, strength ... and how A + B produces an end product that is way stronger or durable than A alone or B alone. From that, many principles that are applicable to life and even to Christianity can be derived.

Bricks have smoother surface but not stone. Constructing a stone wall takes more effort than putting a brick wall together. Stones rarely have flat sides, often come in voids or "defects" here and there. Builder uses mortar to bind a bunch of irregularly shaped stones together. Yet, the deformities contribute to a stronger bonding than the smooth surfaced bricks. Mortar, magically acts as the mediator, the substance to unite the indifferent stones together.

Likewise, Christians need mortar too. All of us are imperfect, unshaped in different ways, that sometimes the differences are just too extreme to surmount. Even though we are dear brothers and sisters in Christ, but at times we can find ourselves at loggerheads, dissensions take place or fading relationships appear as time goes by. There's always a thousand and one reason that we can easily wrong another fellow believer, as a result, relationships turn hostile.

We all need mortar. The ultimate mortar is Christ Jesus. But in Him, we can find a wide array of elements that are able to bind broken relationships and to ease the tension. Love, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, self-control, gentleness ... Above all, the mortar of Love can sum up all that we need.

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." ~ Colossians 3:13-14

A layer of mortar can heal the bumps, fill up the gaps and with a layer of paint a stone wall can look even more fabulous.

A layer of love, with the right quantity and quality is all that we need to build a better world. A right Mortar Ratio Mix incurs 1 part of Cement, 6 parts of sand and 1 part of lime. Then, how much of love is enough? Is it the more the better?

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8.

Love goes beyond. Love compels. Love overwhelms. Love is a verb.

Someone once said, factions always breed fractions. The Churches of Christ should stand united till the second coming of Jesus, relating to the prayer of Christ:

"“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23

Why then, should we allow cultural differences, languages, backgrounds, personal interests and practices to widen the already existing gap caused by our very own imperfection?

We have something to do, to stir the wind of change, to impact the world, but it all starts from building up unity among the brothers and sisters in our small group setting, then church, then across the churches regardless of the denominations, then over the whole world.

"Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together." ~ Corrie Ten Boom

One God. One Faith. One Baptism. Arise and be united.