Thursday, February 15, 2024

This Black History Month started with the New York Times posting a story about the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce. In it, Kelce was credited with a stylish haircut that had young men running to the barbershop to copy. Travis quickly used his platform to acknowledge the publication’s fumbling of a “fade” popularized by hip-hop culture over 30 years ago, and arguably invented by the military before that.

What was the point of Kelce’s need to dispel the claim? He said, “It's absolutely ridiculous. And to do it on Feb. 1 and throw me to the wolves like that.” The man chose to be a peacemaker before unwarranted conflict entered his life.

It’s silly to think something so trivial could result in a good vs. evil battle, but that’s our world. We build walls between cultures, societies, and everything in between. It’s Satan’s way of creating conflict between us and God, but those who don’t follow Jesus probably see it all as “you vs. me” or “us vs. them.” We must challenge the notion that good can’t overcome evil, by sharing God’s love and truth through our behavior and actions every day.

Matthew 5:9
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Like Jesus before us, we are called to be peacemakers. It’s up to us to form genuine relationships with lost people and introduce them to Jesus so they can be reconciled with God. It’s not easy, especially when conflict hurts us or our families. Knowing you don’t have to spread the gospel alone is good.

I bought my daughter a shirt for Black History Month with a design that displays:

= > ÷

Equality is Greater than Division.

I think it’s a good start for someone young to get God’s point across to his people. Regardless of our differences, we are equally worthy in God’s eyes.

John 13:34
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Questions:
How do you bring peace to others? Is introducing people to Jesus so that they can be reconciled to God important to you?

Next Steps:
Share the Gospel by asking others how you can pray for them, serving your community, and breaking down scripture to better understand how God wants to use you.

Prayer:
Father God, use me to help reconcile your children to you. Help me do it with kindness and understanding. Remind me that everyone belongs to you, and we are all meant to be brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.