integrity

For those with the gift of sight, color is the richness of life. God has splashed His creation canvas with color distinction. We see it in the rising and setting of the sun, in fields of grain and flowers, in painted walls and dyed fabrics, and in deep water and heavenly blue skies. In each of these mediums color tantalizes our senses and causes us to reflect on the beauty of the earth.

Color also serves to define the races. In the people of the earth we see rich skin tones as only God could paint. Sadly and all too often, however, skin colors expose the true color of our hearts and define our attitudes. Over thirty years ago I attended a skin color class. The class was held at my local Red Cross. I went to donate blood, but I left with a newly defined heart for all people groups. The nurse positioned me on the table with my head at the feet of another blood donor. As my own blood, steadily dripped into the collection bag, I glanced at the bag of the person who was at angle to me. Though I had only seen his shoes, I knew that he had come to the Red Cross that day with the same intention as my own—to give blood for the life of another. For some reason, I took note of the color of his blood. It was deep red just like my own. When my blood bag was filled the nurse helped me sit up on the side of the table. At that moment, my color lesson was complete. The man with the deep red blood had deep brown skin. Suddenly, I realized that Jesus viewed both of us the same. Life is in the blood. We are defined in Jesus’ eyes by the color of our blood, not by the color of our skin. And what is more, Jesus shed His life blood for all skin colors. On His trip to the Wooden Cross he gave His blood gift of eternal life to all peoples of the world without respect or consideration of flesh tone. Lesson learned and cemented in my heart!

One of the most God-honoring lessons that we can teach our children is that Jesus showed no discrimination when he died for the sins of the world (John 3:16). This crucial family lesson is learned best through our own example. Words alone will not suffice. Take your next generation beyond the color of skin to the beautiful deep red blood that is pumped through the heart of every one of God’s created human beings.

The question is not, “What color is your skin?” The question is, “What color do you bleed?” The only race that should concern us is the race toward unity with all of those for whom Christ died. Now is the time for all of us to go beyond color! Now is the time to pray for the gift of sight! AMEN!…may it be so to God’s glory and delight.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

OPP (opportunity for action): In my church this week we sang the familiar children’s song of faith: Jesus Loves the Little Children. Do you recall the words? Jesus loves the little children of the the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world. Regardless of your color, make this song your song. Sing it for yourself and to your children. I encourage you to find an opportunity this week to communicate with or help someone whose color is different from your own. Make sure your children are in full sight of your words and actions.  Chip away at the barriers and build layers of the Color Red…the deep beautiful color of the blood that was shed universally for the forgiveness of sins.

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