Day 9 | The Loneliness of the Scattered Red Dot

Reflection

At LICC, we often describe life as a Christian in the UK with two images, both depicting 100 dots. Six dots are red, depicting the 6% of people in the UK who go to church at least once a month. The rest are grey, depicting those who don’t.

In the first image, the red dots are gathered in a block next to each other.

In the second, they’re scattered like stars in the sky, each surrounded by grey dots.

When we think of our mission as Christians, we often see ourselves as the red dots gathered in a clump, hoping to influence the grey dots nearest to us. But in truth, the scattered dots show the situation we’re in most of the time: outside the church program, on our own – but making contact with so many more grey dots.

We might be the only disciple of Jesus on our frontline: at home, with our friends and local communities; in our workplaces in education, government, sports, healthcare, media, arts, entertainment; in business and beyond. In those places, we might feel alone, and our confidence might be in shorter supply.

But what if we can grow confidence when we’re gathered and then use that confidence when we’re scattered?

When we gather as worshippers we sing, pray, read the Bible, learn, encourage one another, and more. We remind ourselves that we have a very particular story about the world to tell – and that we’re in a culture that will often not believe our story.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians was read out loud to the church gathered in Philippi so that they might hold firmly to the word of life and shine when scattered. We gather to bring glory to God but also to encourage one another to have confidence when we are scattered.

Responding in Prayer

Lord, please equip me through the time I spend with other Christians, so I can live more confidently for You in my daily life.

And may I, in turn, play my part in helping others to have greater confidence on their frontlines.