I’ve
already shared on Facebook what book I’ve started reading now that I’m a
graduate… see how I snuck that in there? (haha)
It’s official, I hold an MSW degree and that’s it for me in regard to
classes. Well, for now at least…
The
awesome book currently helping me with my idleness is “The Skin You Live In:
Building Friendships Across Cultural Lines” by David D, Ireland. God created us
all in His image therefore we are to embrace one another regardless of race,
ethnicity, country of origin, sex, gender etc. regardless of the circumstances
facing you or another person, love the sinner and hate the sin. Love them into
relationship with Christ; God is drilling me on this currently so I must
encourage others to do the same.
One of
the many awesome quotes in the book that I’m meditating on as I get ready to go
on my first mission trip (woohoo) states:
It
takes courage to publicly voice your agreement in favor of diversity. If you
hope to have any influence in today’s racially diverse society, you have to wear
your courage like a well-tailored suit: with confidence and pride.
Self confidence stems from
knowing you’ve adopted the right position. How can loving and embracing other
races be wrong? How can wanting the best for every race be considered an
incorrect perspective? It would be silly for anyone to consider your positive
opinion detrimental to the betterment of society. You have every reason in the
world to square your shoulders with self-confidence and pride.
Like a five-year-old ring bearer
dressed fashionably in a black-and-white tuxedo, square your shoulders and walk
proudly down the center aisle to the altar – the place where vows and
commitments are made for life. Your new life is about to begin – a life committed
to building relationships across cultural lines. Take pride in obeying Jesus’
command to love your neighbor as yourself. It’s the right thing to do! You will
not be disappointed.
Biblically,
this concept is evident with the gospel no longer being restricted to just
Israel/ the Jewish people, but through Peter, it was extended to the Gentiles
as well (Acts 10). Also, the great commission! What does it say? “Therefore, go
and make disciples of ALL NATIONS baptizing them in the name of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19).”
The
next verse follows with Christ telling the disciples to teach these new
disciples how to obey. We cannot teach that which we don’t do. Christ led by
example and so should we in order for us to fulfill the one direct purpose we
have on this earth. There is no excuse for you not to “love your neighbor as
yourself (Mark 12:31).” The same God who created you, created them. And the
same Jesus who dies for you, died for them as well. Therefore, the same Spirit
that lives in you CAN, and longs, to live in them. This can only happen through
our continued efforts to spread the gospel boldly, unashamed and without
discrimination.
Just ask God to show you
how; prayer changes things.
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