Building Bridges
Since graduating from the University of Manchester I’ve been working as a Graduate Bridge Engineer. Even though I’ve only been working for 5 months God has shown me his glory through the work that I do, from the design process right through to the finished product. The phrase ‘building bridges’ is commonly used when referring to reaching out to people or establishing relationships. We see this in many areas of society around us. It’s only since working on bridges that I have realised how complex they are, and how building bridges in reality and ‘building bridges’ in communities are very similar.
First foundations have to be established. Foundations are laid to stabilise the main structure. We believe the word of God is the foundation of our faith. Therefore, if we are all in agreement in what we believe then we cannot and will not compromise on what we stand for as the people of God.
A bridge doesn’t come as one huge structure just put in place by a crane. The size of the bridge determines the number of nuts, bolts, beams & plates needed to fix the whole bridge together. Each element is just as important as its counterpart. This is similar to how the body of Christ is described as having many parts. We are the body of Christ (Romans 12:5) and we need one another.
Finally, once the bridge is in place and is connected one side to the other, it serves a purpose, whether it supports pedestrians on top or allowing vehicles to safely pass underneath. The provision and reception of support and safety are so important within communities when circumstances are difficult. However our purpose is even more important. We are to glorify God in everything that we do, to be the salt and light of the earth (Matt 5:13) because God’s word says that they will know us for the love that we have for one another (John 13:35).
