Principle 5: LEVERAGE 

Ready

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” — Ephesians 5:15-16 

Set

One of my former FCA teammates and my supervisor used to say, “Some people got to say something and some people got something to say.” So often people know there is a problem yet lack motivation to solve the problem. The former President of FCA, Les Steckel, used to say that while everyone may want progress, they don’t usually want change.

As we conclude this series on providing hope and healing in the midst of a pandemic full of heartbreak and racism, we should be prepared to leverage all that God has put in our care to be a change agent—someone who actively tries to change terrible circumstances for the better. 

Healing our world from the effects of racism will be a marathon rather than a sprint because there are centuries of this sin that permeates our society. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said that “Sunday is the most segregated day of the week.” What he meant by that is even the body of Christ has work to do to eradicate this sin from our communities. Each year we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday as a national holiday. When this day comes around each year, it’s a call to action to go serve our fellow man by volunteering in our communities. This is just one example of how we can leverage our time, talent, and treasure for the glory of God and for the benefit of others. 

We must search for solutions to the problem rather than just recognizing it. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the days are evil and racism and sin will always be around, but we can be wise and make the most of every opportunity that God puts in front us. As a coach, a teammate, or in your community, God calls you to be a vessel that He can use to remove this egregious and destructive sin, racism, from our world. Help be the change today!

Go

1. How does God want to use you to address the sin of racism in your community?

2. Who can you partner with on this journey?

3. Set a goal to reach out to these individuals to start a conversation.

Talk It Over

Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you? If you’re going through this plan with a teammate, coach, or peer, take the next 5-10 minutes and talk about today’s truths. 

Workout

2 Timothy 3:1-2; Colossians 4:5; Psalm 90:12

Overtime 

“Father, all that I have belongs to You. I surrender my time, talent, and treasure to be used for Your glory. Use me to be a difference-maker and change agent to eradicate the sin of racism where You have placed me. May I be a beacon of light in my community that displays Your unconditional love, grace and truth.”

Rick Isaiah