Color Blind

Do you see the joy in my grandson’s coloring page? I was very proud of his ability to stay in the lines at that age. His choice of colors was thought provoking for me.

It is 1:30 in the morning, and I should be in bed asleep. Since I woke up, I decided I might as well do something constructive. So you get an early morning sermon of the day!

I’ve been reading some of the letters in the New Testament recently. They were written to the newly birthed Christian believers who were learning to cope with life in a different way. Their views and perspectives were changing. People they had shunned or abused in the past were now to be loved and treated as equals.

Our world today is being torn apart by people and forces of evil that want to pit one group against another. Racial tension in some places runs rampant. Thankfully in the middle of nowhere Georgia, people in Thomaston seem to still have good sense and appreciate each other as humans without abusing another because of their ethnicity. If we speak the Truth of the Scripture, here we are affirmed because of the common faith that runs deep within the community. ‘Have a blessed day’ is a common phrase. The line ‘God is good’ always produces the response – ‘all the time.’

When I taught children’s church, probably 40 or so years ago, we had a tall, very well built missionary from Africa come to church. He spent some time with the kids telling them about his country. He asked them what was different about him. The kids were all 4 and 5 year old little Caucasians. They were honestly puzzled. One suggested he was much bigger than they were. Another said he was dressed ‘nice in a suit.’ He laughed and held out his large hands and asked them to do the same. ‘What do you see about my hands that is different from yours other than the size?’

At that point, the children noticed he had different color skin. He and I were both shocked by the indifference of the children. Their innocent perspective was charming and quite refreshing.

I wonder how innocent and accepting that same age child would be today. And maybe I’m just going by what I see on the news about hatred and violence. Maybe I’m trying to make sure I am looking at others through a ‘God Lens.’ In 1 Samuel 16, God says not to look on the outward appearance of others but instead see their hearts.

Stopping the hate in today’s world may be a one person at a time endeavor.

Jesus said over and over to love one another. How much of the world’s problems would evaporate if we sincerely loved others?

Something to think about…what does loving others look like for me? Like I said, I’m thinkin’ on it!

Blessings

Kara Beth