Dealing With Diversityಮಾದರಿ

As I was considering the issue of race – how to address the subject, how to end racism, how to share God’s perspective with my kids – a few things came to mind. I’m not suggesting there are any short-term, easy fixes to this problem. But I do think there are some practical actions we can take to help turn the tide. 

1. Pray

This should be our first response to any and every problem we face in life, right? We need to involve God, gain His perspective and allow Him to change our hearts. 

As Oswald Chambers puts it: When we pray, “we get into union with God’s view of other people.” Prayer allows us to “identify ourselves with His interests in others. If my heart is right with God, every human being is my neighbor.”

2. Get into the Word

If we want to know how God feels about racism, bigotry, and prejudice, we need to open our Bibles. There are plenty of passages in Scripture that deal with these issues.  

Take the Golden Rule, for example. Jesus taught: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). Living by this one, simple commandment is a powerful weapon in the battle against racism. 

3. Talk to your kids

Children are very observant. They see things. They hear things. They make assumptions. Instead of avoiding tough subjects, we need to have honest conversations with them. This can help us understand their feelings and help them understand our values and attitudes. 

“Many white parents avoid talking about race,” writes Madeleine Rogin in “How to Teach Kids About Race” “Yet, young children notice difference all the time. When they are silenced or pick up on the idea that pointing out differences is not okay, they begin to think there must be something wrong or bad about these differences.” 

PRAYER: Lord, reveal to me the truth of Your Word. Help me to treat others as I would like to be treated. And give me wisdom in discussing the issue of race with my children.