I or we?

 

Moving back from I to We

Research into our use of the English language has shown that we have gradually used the pronoun I far more than the pronoun We. We have become the selfie generation with the encouragement of self help books and smart phones. Even in 2000 a Harvard Professor, in his book Bowling Alone noted that although more people went ten-pin bowling fewer than ever were joining team games and this title became a metaphor for the decline in membership of clubs, teams, community and voluntary organisations. In so many areas of life what used to be done together is now done alone. The ‘we’  society of ‘we’re all in this together’ has become the ‘I’ society of ‘I’m free to please myself’.

Sadly, this can lead to great isolation and during this pandemic it has become clearer than ever that many people have felt very alone indeed. However, many people have also realised how important and valuable community is, for everyone relies on others, with phone and online support, shopping for neighbours, clapping to encourage and thank keyworkers. Even whilst out walking/exercising it is noticeable that so many more people will greet one another with ‘Good Morning’.

 

Throughout the Bible, God is shown to work through his Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit - and through people, people like us. Creation and salvation are through the Word and the Spirit, apostles and all believers preached his word, and now we are called to be his hands and his feet working together to share his love.

How about setting ourselves a challenge of using ‘I’ less times and seeing how much more we can use ‘we’?

God build your community,

From brokenness and indifference,

Build love and caring,

For you, for each other, for your creation.

God build your community,

From mistrust and misunderstanding,

Build unity and togetherness,

For other peoples, religions and nations.

God build your community,

May we build together your living community,

Bound together by love and joy,

Interrelated to all God’s people, to the earth and all creation.