State of Origin

For anyone who lives in Queensland or New South Wales around this time of year, you would have to be well and truly living under a rock to have not heard about ‘State of Origin’. This is part of the fabric of these two states and it’s amazing to see how three games of rugby league can arouse so much passion and parochialism.

But before you scroll on, this blog isn’t about the rugby league origin.

It’s about our own ‘state of origin’ as humans.

We might consider ourselves Queenslanders, Aussies, maybe Chinese, Italian, Palestinian or Jewish. Whatever we think and wherever we live, we are all humans. The Bible explains that we are all descended from one place – Adam and Eve in God’s creation, and that we all deserve to be treated with basic ‘human decency.’

In Matthew 7:12, the Bible says… “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” (NLT)

In other words, treat all people the way you would like and expect to be treated yourself!

We only need to watch the news, go for a drive, or even go to the supermarket these days to see that our world would be a far better, safer and happier place if more people paid attention to this piece of wisdom.

If people just started to treat each other with more love and respect.

The Bible says, ‘In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.’ (Galatians 3:28-29 The Message).

If that sounds remotely interesting or appealing, you might consider taking some time to have a look at what else the Bible has to say!