On
February 1, 1960, four students from an all-black college sat down at a “whites
only” lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. One of them, Franklin
McCain, noticed an older white woman seated nearby looking at them. He was sure
that her thoughts were unkind toward them and their protest against
segregation. A few minutes later she walked over to them, put her hands on their
shoulders, and said, “Boys, I am so proud of you.”
Recalling
the event years later on National Public Radio, McCain said he learned from
this never to stereotype anyone. Instead he should pause to consider others and
seek an opportunity to talk with them.
The
first-century church, like ours today, was often fractured by divisions based
on race, language, and culture. Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Corinth
to help them respond to those who were more concerned with outward appearance
than with what is in the heart (2 Cor. 5:12).
Because Christ died for all, Paul said, “From now on, we regard no one
according to the flesh” (v.16).
May we
all look closely to see the person inside, for everyone is made in the image of
God and can become a new creation in Christ.
It’s what’s in the heart that matters. (RBC)
