Vantage point
United for a greater cause
The large high school I attended was about evenly split
among Caucasians, Hispanics and blacks. Among the Caucasians were many
recognizable European ethnic groups — Italian-Americans, Slavs and many
others. We also had a significant number of Asians. It was a California melting
pot.
Three of my best friends were Chinese, black and Polish.
Race didn’t mean much to me.
During my days at the school, there were occasional battles
between ethnic groups — but these were usually perceived as gang issues,
not ethnic differences.
Every year we had “the Big Game,” the football shootout with
the other high school in the city. Then it was taboo to have a friendship with
anyone from the other school … which was difficult for me. I lived two houses
from the street that was the dividing line that determined which school you
would go to; many of my friends were on the other side.
So one day out of the year I pretended I didn’t know them.
During the Big Game, I saw ethnic differences crumble. Then the only thing that
mattered was which high school you attended.
Ethnic groups and factions that were normally at odds stood
together. For one day out of the year, a greater cause united them.
There are much greater causes that should unite ethnic
groups today. We are all made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27; James 3:9). There
is one Church, composed of all Christians from “every tribe and tongue and
people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Every individual, of every ethnic group,
is an eternal soul in need of a Savior (Mark 8:36).
It has been my great joy to experience the life and ministry
of people of many different ethnicities — both abroad and in our own
nation. What a privilege God has given us to be part of such a mosaic. Let’s
all enjoy the rich diversity that is found in the body of Christ.
Ken Horn
E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.
