Walmart

Walking through Wal-Mart the other day I overheard part of a conversation between a mother and her young daughter as they walked past me in the opposite direction. The woman was a young African-American mother pushing her daughter around in a shopping cart. The daughter appeared to be no older than 3 years old. What I heard was this, “Just because I am light brown does not make me any different”. If only I had heard the question then maybe the response might take on a concrete meaning for me. A smile came over my face as I imagined possible questions the young daughter might have asked. I turned around to get a glance at the mother. Much to my surprise her skin color was darker than I had pictured in my mind.


Isn’t it amazing how we tend to pay attention to physical differences in other people? In my very first appointment, I will not name the church; one of the church leaders called to my attention a mobile home park behind the church. She explained how the people there did not desire to attend church. In other words this particular church leader was warning me that I had better not invite “them” to attend church. The mobile home park in question had a large Hispanic population. Even today, I am still puzzled about why she felt that way. Maybe in some ways I am still naïve. Is this what God has called us to do? To worship with those who look like us? Can we really assess the character of an individual based on physical appearance?

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians, 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Each group mentioned by Paul could be distinguished by a physical feature which pointed out differences between them, whether they were racial, social, or gender related. Yet, to Christ Jesus the heart was more important than the aforementioned. Jesus was a revolutionary as he challenged the “church policy” of his day. The church had established an exclusive system designed to keep people out of the church. What really upset the church leaders during this time period was Jesus wanted to let everybody in.

What I have come to appreciate is the diversity of our culture. Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Even through our differences we are a reflection of the Creator. Did you know the most segregated time in America is during the church hour? Segregation does not always involve race. It can include other physical appearances such as tattoos, piercings, single parents, among other differences. We maybe able to make general assumptions based on physical differences but we are not able to judge the heart of an individual. John Wesley had a “heart warming” experience at Aldersgate which changed his life forever.

I have completed my first month at the Church of the Palms. I see a congregation which is willing to and does embrace diversity. I also see a church which understands its mission as part of the body of Christ. We, as followers of Christ, understand the importance of being an inclusive church reaching out in the love of God. Together we will make a difference in our community through our ministries. No longer will there be Greek or Jew, male or female, and slave or free. Truly we are blessed by God.