What would happen if we all had our warning-flags displayed?

 Teachers know.

As a teacher I have access to details about the students in my classes.

This includes everything from learning, language, literacy or numeracy concerns/testing results, court orders, disabilities, medical ailments, mental health issues and behavioural problems.

These, usually, are indicated by a series of coloured flags attached to the students name within the school administration/roll marking software.

As a teacher you are told to be mindful of these issues.

You are to be weary of them when you set tasks, administer tests, conduct assignments, deliver expectations and negotiate classroom management.

There are a lot of flags in most classes.

I wonder how life would be different if we all walked around displaying our flags.

Furthermore, what kind of things would trigger a public notification?

Addictions? Past hurts? Family or relationship tensions? Character flaws?

How would we treat others differently if we were aware of their past hurts?

How would the church minister to people differently if they knew they had been hurt by the church in the past?

Unfortunately, we don’t display our colours of disfunction.

But, as a church (and people in general), we should always remain vigilant to the fact that everyone - no matter how together their live and persona may be - walks around with areas of struggle, strain and brokenness.