Da Clique

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. -Galatians 6:10 

The other day in my studies, I came across this scripture. The hood in me thought about Kanye West's hit, Da Clique. Why? Because this verse confirms for me we are a part of the God Gang! People who despise the word "gang" because of its negative connotation, I beg of you...lighten up! Live a little! If we can be soldiers in His army, we can be initiates in His gang. 

Ben Marchovitz, CEO of Collegiate Academies (a conglomerate of charter schools in New Orleans), once led a professional development session I was blessed to be a part of. In that session, he taught us about developing and maintaining both classroom and school culture. His two reference points? Church and gangs.

For so many of us who were brought up in church, we know why he chose this comparison. Church is the place where most people are on their best behavior most of the time. This is what schools want. This is what everyone wants. So, there is a strong culture of acting like you have some sense in church! There is also a huge level of comradery in church. The mothers of the church call everyone younger than them "baby" or "sweetie". Kids call each other cousins, even though there is no relation. Families work together in the ministry. It's a lovely thing. 

But what's the deal with gangs? Well, first off, initiates in gangs are looking for something. They are looking for love or friendship or just an escape from home. Is that not what we are all looking for in God? Next, they are completely committed to their gang. They represent wherever they go. They wear the colors, throw up the signs, and give the secret greetings. Should we not be the same way? Wherever we go (regardless of whether we are "supposed" to be there or not) we should be representing God right? We should wear His salvation like a badge of honor. We should throw His love into the lives of others. We should recognize other members of our gang wherever we may be. Also, gang members are always looking for new recruits. Their goal is to grow. They want to be the BIGGEST and BADDEST. Isn't that what we want? If there is an unbeliever in our midst, we should be all over them, initiating them into His love. Gang members are down for their own. If one of them lacks, they all pitch in to provide. If one of them gets hurt, they hold one another down. (Makes me think of Romans 12:15). Lastly, gang members are willing to die for their set. They believe whole-heartedly in the mission and vision. Shouldn't we? Shouldn't we be willing to die for our God? Shouldn't we believe WHOLE-HEARTEDLY? 

Welcome to the God Gang! Now let's be clear. We shouldn't be out here packing pieces in the name of Jesus, but we should be packing peace (see what I did there). Romans 12:5 and Corinthians 12:27 refer to us as the body of Christ. We are a part of a special group. We have a special connection. We have a special calling. Together, we are working to build the Kingdom. We have to be a fearless in the face of rivals. We have to stick together at all costs and hold one another down. We should be C-Walking (walking like the Christ in truth and in spirit). Everywhere we go, people should recognize what set we claim. And at all times, we should honor the real OG (Our God)! We have to let the whole world know...ain't nobody messing with our clique. Be Blessed Homies! XOXO