I recently traveled to Greece to research my roots.

A highlight of the trip was spending a day in Athens walking among the temple ruins atop the Acropolis. In addition to the incredible view that vista provides of modern day Athens, the ancient pillars provide a historical perspective of the architectural genus that punctuated the civilization that gave the world democracy.

I began my descent down the steep trail toward the bustling Agora with one further desire. I wanted to stand on Mars Hill that is located at the base of the Acropolis.

As a student of the Bible, I was aware that the Apostle Paul stood on this marble perch to make his case for Christ before a pagan crowd.

I began my ascent up the marble steps without thinking how slippery the well-trafficked stones might be. As a result, I lost my footing and fell. Feeling more embarrassment than pain, I picked myself up and proceeded to the top. From the summit I looked around and could see the remains of countless altars and temples. I recalled Paul’s words from Mars Hill (see Acts 17:22-31).

Based on what he observed from his vantage point, Paul attested to the fact that the Athenians were a very religious people. I love the way Paul engaged those whose spiritual and cultural backgrounds were distinct from his. Instead of putting them down, he affirmed their faith journey (albeit pagan) proceeding to offer his own personal perspective. In other words, he looked for common ground in which to till the soil of understanding and mutual respect with hopes for eventually sowing seeds of truth.

Finding common ground can be a slippery slope. It requires exposing yourself to attitudes and ideas that may feel foreign to you. Nonetheless, finding common ground is worth the risks that are part of the process. In the end, it provides a perspective that enables each of us to view diversity and find points of connection.

As the world’s athletes compete in Brazil, we are provided a picture of just how diverse the people who populate our planet are. The opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics were a beautiful reminder of how we approach a common purpose differently. Each nation brings something of value from which others can learn.

Similarly, each person in our sphere of influence has something with which to inform our view of life, faith and truth. And we have something to contribute to their understanding.

But first we must understand where others are coming from by taking time to listen to them.

Contact Mercer Island pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos at AwesomeRev@aol.com.