Don’t Change the Channel
The tragedies of this past week have left all of us deeply saddened and concerned about the present state and future of our country. Every news channel on our TV has non-stop interviews and commentary on the frightening details of these horrific acts. Over time we can become saturated and numb to it all. And we are tempted to simply change the channel.
But for our ethnic minority staff, especially our African-American staff, they can’t change the channel. They agonize with the continual reminder that their sense of personal vulnerability has to be addressed every moment of every day.
1 Cor. 12:25 reminds us that all parts of the body should have equal concern for each other. Therefore we stand with and support our ethnic minority staff as they live daily with the racial tensions of life today. Indeed we all live with these racial tensions.
Our Calling reminds us that we are to advance the Gospel to all peoples. We are all seeking to advance the gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom to people of all ethnicities. It does not matter the color of their skin or the color of their uniform. The command of Jesus is to disciple all the nations (Matthew 28:18-20). And we all desperately need His help and empowerment to do accomplish this challenging task.
So what are we to do?
First, we can pray for our fellow ethnic minority staff for wisdom and courage as they live with the racial tensions day in and day out.
Second, we can look for opportunities to advance the gospel in the midst of this storm. We must fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Jesus is the only lasting solution to these long-standing issues.
Third, we can actively listen to the voices of our ethnic minority friends and pray for ourselves for growth in understanding.
But whatever we do… Don’t change the channel !
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 