Let’s Be Faithful To Share the Gospel

On my first and only job interview in 1979, the doctor, whom I had never met, took me to lunch along with the other two staff members. We had casual conversation and then he began asking questions.

Though the questions were very few, one was if I was comfortable interacting with other races. To be real honest, I was taken aback. I thought, “What a strange question. Of course, I am.”

I was a cheerleader in high school. Like other sports, it taught me the value of working together in community. One of my best friends (a person of color) was my base. That meant she supported me as I climbed to the top (I was much skinnier then), which also meant, I had to trust her completely. As we would learn a new stunt, falling was part of it, but Rachel NEVER let me hit the floor. She even sacrificed herself for me at times. Scratches, bumps and bruises were usually on both of us, but I always knew she was going to do anything and everything to break my fall. I had complete trust in her; we were dear friends. But of course, my soon-to-be employer did not know about Rachel.

I’m sure by the look on my face he knew he needed to explain. He had been in practice for one year and had learned that many people in the practice were of various races and backgrounds. He needed to make absolutely sure he was not hiring someone who had prejudices. Racism was not going to be tolerated in our practice and I can say without a doubt it is not. After pondering that question, I knew I wanted to work with this man. It told me a lot about him. Our views were the same. Racism is sin and it is not to be tolerated in any form.

However, our world is broken. If there is any doubt, just turn on the TV.

The Bible says in 1 John 2:9-11 “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”

Folks, as Sandy wrote last week, EVERY human is made in the image of God and is a precious gift. I’ve reflected on her words more than once and fully agree . . . she wrote, “Let’s get on our knees and ask the Father examine our hearts. Does my heart beat in sync with His? Not if I engage in racism, including subtle and/or silent. Study the Word. Do my actions line up with His commands? Not if I am an idle bystander letting injustice prevail. Do I truly love my neighbor as myself? Let’s confess our brokenness, ask forgiveness and honestly seek to understand the hurt and pain of others.”

The gospel has the power to transform lives and hearts. Let’s be faithful to share it . . . On The Journey.

Written by Linda Cooper