The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.” (Acts 19:33-34)
We know from history that if a wrong belief is shouted long enough and loud enough people will believe it. Many of our ancestors shouted that negroes were inferior and should sit at the back of the bus.
Today many shout that white people are privileged and should be ashamed of their white skin. I realize it was easier for me to grow up in the sixties than it was for my African-American friends, but I still worked full-time and went to school full-time for my first two years of college.
Like the Ephesians, we hold onto our cultures and want our difficulties recognized. Sadly, if we hold onto skin color and what or whom we worship as a basis for inclusion, our country will be divided. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:2b “Every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 4:8 to “love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Father, I praise you for Your Biblical teachings. Help me love and include people of different cultures. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.