NOT JUST A COLOR
Rashawn Nance
Today’s Scripture: "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:12, NKJV
Theme: When we seek God and commit to unity, we realize that our diversity makes us stronger, not weaker.
A WINNING COMBINATION
Diversity within a group can be its greatest strength... when there is unity. Imagine a team composed of players from different backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and perspectives. Despite their differences, they work together seamlessly, much like the body with its various parts functioning as one. The Bible highlights this unity in diversity, where many members come together to form one body in Christ. This mirrors real-life situations where diverse teams, when united by a common purpose, can achieve remarkable things. The beauty of unity in diversity lies in the way each member’s strengths complement others, creating a stronger, more dynamic whole.
Once the team in Woodlawn began to appreciate each other’s differences and strengths, they no longer paid attention to the outside noise that the world created. They echoed a collective belief that they could be better because of faith and prayer. Even though everyone did not understand what was happening, they could not ignore the positive changes that were occurring.
MY JOURNEY
I grew up in a time where segregation was frowned upon, but openly practiced. My zip code determined what school I would attend and the quality of my education. Shopping at my favorite store usually resulted in someone following me around. As a black man, I was aware that even traffic stops could turn into homicides. In hopes of doing my part, I started a company at age 16 named “United Cleaning and Landscaping.” It was my way of bridging the racial gap and bringing people who looked different together in positive interactions.
Make It Personal: How can you reach out to someone who is not exactly like you – in skin color, nationality, politics, religion, or economics – and bridge the gap? Where are you publicly PC but privately biased or prejudiced? Root out those feelings and embrace diversity to make our church, city, and nation stronger.
Pray: Lord, grant us the wisdom to appreciate how our varied strengths complement one another, creating a stronger and more dynamic whole. We ask for Your guidance to work together seamlessly, despite our diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. May we reflect the unity in diversity that You have shown us through Your Word, working together to achieve remarkable things for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Read: Galatians 3:26-29; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Weekly Memory Verse: “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14, NLT