Now Is The Time - Station 5

TEAR DOWN WALLS

Supplies Needed

- paper walls or bricks

- pens

"In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us." - Colossians 3:11

STOP FOCUSING ON WHAT SEPARATES US AND START LOOKING AT WHAT UNITES US - CHRIST!

We do it all the time... we build up these walls that separate us from each other, walls that even separate us from God. We do it to keep out those who are different from us, those not in our clique or social circle, and those we look down upon, ignore, or even hate. We also build walls to keep us safe and comfortable. But here in this passage, Paul is challenging us to tear down those walls; to stop focusing on the things that divide us and to start looking at what unites us. And that common bond, the glue that holds us ALL together is Jesus Christ. In fact, Paul says that since Christ in all of us... He is all that matters!

Now is the time for you to reflect on the walls you've built up. Take a paper wall and a pen and inside the bricks write down some of the divisions you've created in your life. Maybe it's between you and a specific person, or a group of people. Maybe it's a wall you've built between you and your relationship with your family, your friends... even God. Maybe it's a roadblock you've constructed that's keeping you from growing closer to Christ. Maybe it's your own insecurities or fears that prevent you from including or accepting others or opening yourself up to a deeper connection with the Lord. Whatever they may be, list as many walls as you can think of.

Once you have filled in the bricks of your wall. Take a few minutes to connect with God in prayer. Pray that God would tear down the walls you've built that separate you from others. Pray that He would give you the courage and conviction to refrain from building new walls. And pray that God would allow you to see Christ in those around you and that in doing so, you would feel moved to love those people, regardless of who they are.

When you have finished praying, tear apart your paper wall. Do this as a symbolic act and reminder of the new life in which you now live through Christ's love and forgiveness. You may then move on to the next station.