Building A Better Tomorrow

As I write this, it is June 1, 2020. Many mayors and governors across the nation are calling for a Day of Lament. As a country we have much to grieve. Though it seems we have come so far from shackles and owning other humans, prejudice is still sickeningly strong. We have such a long way to go in showing love, honor and respect despite our differences. Not a single one of us has the right or authority to stand in judgement, disqualifying those who are unlike us from having the same freedom and rights that we have. It is an attitude of self-righteousness and pride that brings disgrace on any nation, prejudice to our minds and deep sorrow to the heart of God.

Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. It commemorates the day when the Spirit came to empower the Church to be mobilized to build God's kingdom on a foundation of love and grace and truth. God's people were given power to raise the dead and heal the sick and change the world. That power was not given to control others or to build an empire, but to build unity and resurrect love and grow compassion and humility.  The first century church had no room for prejudice and when they discovered it in their hearts, it had to be healed. We could certainly use some Holy Spirit power to rebuild our foundation and wipe out the prejudice that divides and destroys today.

If you know me, you won't be surprised to hear me say that I believe this rebuilding has to begin at home. If we are to raise humble children who are without prejudice, they must see it modeled. Many people have told me that they don't have room in their heart for prejudice, but they seem to have room for diminishing the value of their spouse's opinion or ideas. Every time you place your desires ahead of theirs, you are showing prejudice by indicating you are somehow more worthy or deserving to have things your way. If we show prejudice of any variety (making ourselves more important than others) we are teaching our kids that prejudice is okay. And they won't miss it. Kids are great observers. The only anecdote is to practice honoring others above yourself right before their eyes. Love selflessly. Give freely.  Listen as though their thoughts matter, because they do. Home-grown humility is a sure way to reverse prejudice. If we don't live it at home, what we demonstrate outside the home is counterfeit. 

Spend some time with your family talking about how to show value to others. Practice with siblings. Tell them when you have been shown value and love and how it makes you feel. Let them see that, as a family, you are building a better tomorrow by learning to love and honor each other above yourselves. That is a foundation that is secure. One way or the other, you are building their tomorrow. What will you build?