Midday Connection

Guest blog: Why Pursue Racial Reconciliation?

Some people incorrectly believe that we live in a post racial America, but many Americans of color know differently. While race is still one of those touchy issues that make people uncomfortable, Scott Williams believes that “the only way race will become a non-issue is if we make race an issue.” All across America, corporate businesses, the military, government, and academic institutions value diversity. They are making race an issue and are reaping the benefits. Research has shown that diverse leadership teams come up with better solutions to solve problems. Whether diversity is mandated or embraced, corporations pursue racial reconciliation because it helps them solve problems and increases their bottom to make money and expand their diverse customer base.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, our motivation for racial reconciliation is much bigger than that. We should be leading the rest of the world in this practice. As Christ’s ambassadors, we are called to pursue racial reconciliation for the sake of the gospel. We do not discuss race for its own sake, rather we pursue racial reconciliation because of the good news that Christ died to reconcile us all to God, the Father, and to restore our earthly relationships with each other along the way. Christ has modeled for us a divine way of living and that is a commitment to love.

Our greatest command is to love God and love our neighbors. As Christians, we do not have a right to pick and choose who we love. We have been compelled to love and make disciples of all nations, while understanding that our love of others, especially when they are different than us, is a testimony to the rest of the world that we truly belong to God. This is Jesus’ prayer for us: May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:23b [NIV]).”
Natasha Robinson is a writer and speaker. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in English. Upon graduation, Natasha served six years as a Financial Management Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and obtained the rank of Captain. After transitioning from the military, she continued to serve as a federal government employee at the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, Natasha is enrolled as a full-time student in the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As a member of Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC, she serves  as the Co-Director of the Women’s Mentoring Ministry. For more information about Natasha, please visit her website.