I have this thing for bumper stickers. Most are easily understood. The “Back Off” sticker with Yosemite Sam means don’t tailgate. The one of stick figure families details mom and dad, boys, girls, cats, and dogs, although there have been some exotic pets as well. When I came across this one bumper sticker I had to think about it: “Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe.” Huh?

A brief Google search immediately gave me this AI overview on tribes:

A tribe is a social group, often with a shared language, customs, and beliefs, typically composed of families or clans. They can also be understood as political units formed by organized families based on social or ideological solidarity. Membership in a tribe can be based on factors like kinship, ethnicity, language, or cultural practices. There are various types of tribes, including those based on language, religion, culture, occupation, and political affiliation.

Sadly, tribalism is getting to be a big thing politically these days and a factor in the American divide. Unfortunately, and sadly, tribalism is also a thing in the Church. I am big on having unity in the Body of Christ, as was Jesus. In His High Priestly Prayer in John 17, He asked the Father “that they [His disciples] may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21, ESV). It has to sadden both the Father and the Son to see the Church divided into so many different tribes.

At a recent conference, our pastor spoke about having a disciple-making culture. He was followed by a pastor whose message was polar opposite to his. My friend leaned over and whispered to me, “He’s not in our tribe!” All of a sudden, “tribalism” began to crystalize in my mind.

While Jesus desires unity in His Church, He recognizes that there will be challenges. The Apostle Paul addressed this in his epistle to the Corinthians when he said, “There must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized” (1 Corinthians 11:19, ESV). The KJV renders “factions” as “heresies” from the Greek word hairesis, which is defined as “that which is chosen, and hence an opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects” (Vine’s Dictionary). Wow!

So, how do we find the right tribe? I believe Jesus gives us the answer. In John 5, Jesus is in a discourse with the Jewish leaders and He tells them, “For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing” (John 5:36). This work was more than healing or casting out demons. Going back to Jesus’s High Priestly Prayer, He makes this statement: “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4). Keep in mind, this is the night before He died on the cross.

What was the work the Father had given Him that He had accomplished? It was training 12 men — men he spent the better part of three years with — to continue the work He began. After His resurrection, He met with them and gave them their mission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

The Greek structure in this Matthew passage is that we “go” and “make disciples.” That should be our tribe. What are they doing in your tribe? Maybe it’s time to make a move. As for that bumper sticker, I’m still not sure what it really means!

What say ye, Man of Valor?
Semper Fidelis!