The term ‘thinking outside the box’ is a metaphor that means to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective. This phrase often refers to novel or creative thinking, and certainly, it’s interesting to discover how other people think. We tend to think initially that everyone thinks the same way that we do, but one of the most challenging and interesting facts about belonging to the church is that here, there is diversity and differences galore, but God can still unite us!

How we think will shape our lives, because we inevitably act according to our thoughts. That’s why the Bible places so much emphasis on transformed thinking (Rom 12:2, Phil 4:8) and urges us to think like God. (1 Cor 2:6-16) It can be extremely hard to think differently, but we are urged to fix our mind and thoughts on Jesus (Col 3:1, Heb 3:1).

In the context of the sanctity of life, this has radical implications for how we live and where we work. It means we ask God to help us see the world through His eyes, ‘finding beauty in the broken’ (‘Plans’, Tim Hughes & Nick Herbert), so that we do not shun those with disabilities or ‘imperfections’, but seek to love them. It means we view the elderly as those to be cherished and honoured, not shunned and shut away. It means we seek to help those struggling with mental health issues, not simply dismissing them as ‘crazy’. It means we value children of all ages and abilities. It means we seek ways to help those who are struggling with disabilities. It means we consider alternative ways of living so that we can spend time with family and friends, valuing people more than possessions or status. It shapes our thoughts on abortion, adoption, euthanasia and social justice and consequently motivates us to action.

Stephen spoke to us recently about living life in a limiting box. We need to take the lid off our ‘boxes’ and allow God to inspire, motivate and challenge how we are living. Christmas is not about cosy comforts and candy canes. It is about a stupendous plan of salvation involving Almighty God becoming a baby on a rescue mission! What rescue mission might He be calling you to?