When you have lived somewhere for over 25 years there is a strong possibility you know a thing or two about life in that location. Maybe you can navigate the roads during rush hour, or know which stores run the best specials, or better yet, where the favorite ice cream shop is. Things change and memories can gently pull you back to the original movie theater, the first steakhouse or how the baseball stadium used to look. Time marches on. The place feels familiar even though changes occur.
I am frequently caught saying, "It is the same, but different." What is that supposed to mean?
The heartbeat of a situation or the base where all things are built remains the same, even when the expression or outside may look different.
Let me give you examples.
Pictures. School picture day was always a big deal. Choosing a special outfit and fixing your hair just right was a must because this picture would be sent through the mail to friends and family who lived far away. In this day and age, a photo is snapped and within seconds is sent to friends and family while laughter still rings in the air. It is the same, but different.
Coffee. The smell of coffee would rise to my upstairs childhood bedroom as a signal that the morning routine had begun. The dripping hot liquid filled the silver container until a high pitched beep would sound. Now, my husband fills a pod with Colombian grown coffee and with the touch of a button a single cup is steamy hot before the smell even leaves the kitchen. It is the same, but different.
Hebrews 13:7-8 says, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (NIV)
The writer of Hebrews is challenging the Jewish Christians to observe other Christ-followers and copy their faith. Notice it doesn't say imitate their every move. The words reflect a deeper base for all thoughts and actions, faith. These Christians believed God without seeing every piece of the puzzle, all while suffering persecution. This was possible because the hope-filled message of salvation found in Jesus Christ never changes. How these believers lived for God would look different than those who came before them, but the root and foundation was still the same Jesus. The same, but different.
Sports. My college field hockey coach was deeply invested in our lives as players. Each year she chose a phrase to challenge our Christian walk as well as our style of play as athletes. She would organize the team for a work day helping an elderly person or family in need. My basketball coach gathered the players together to creatively prepare puppet shows. We would practice lively songs and Bible stories to share at kid's clubs and Sunday schools. Both coaches dedicated their lives to Scripture in order to reflect the servant leadership taught by Jesus. Different methods to accomplish the same objective. The same, but different.
How can you imitate Jesus while keeping the same but different mindset?
Lean in....the same...but different.
Beautiful words Holly! I love the challenge to think about the same...but different and especially how that applies to our Faith. Can't wait to read your next post! 😁
Teaching little ones in the US is very different than at “home” at SCS. Building relationships and investing in my students is my passion, but there are so many restrictions here. But God opens windows, maybe with screens, for me to be able to share Christ’s love to my students.
You can share your faith as a missionary in the DR, while I can share mine as a homemaker in PA. The same, but different! 😊🎉