Every day, men and women leave their native land to live in the United States. They come in pursuit of the American dream.
This legal migration brings a world of opportunity to our doorstep.
Still, there are sensitive cultural and economic implications when minorities flood a society. Since God has allowed this wide breadth of cultures to join our own, we have the wonderful opportunity of welcoming many of them as brothers and sisters in Christ. We can expose others to biblical truth and share our Christian heritage as never before.
The vast array of cultures in the U.S. also means we find the influence of world religions right next door—Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists, just to name a few.
I’m afraid that many Christians withdraw from these people. Instead of accepting their cultural influences as a wonderful opportunity, some American believers choose to be isolated, rather than visionary; intolerant, rather than loving.
Wouldn’t it be much better if immigrants discovered what made our country so great? Newcomers should be enlightened about our rich Christian heritage and those who founded this nation on biblical principles.
Think about your own neighborhood, your own town. Have you seen an influx of different races and religions? Do their lifestyles irritate you or are yu extending God’s love to them?
How about going to the home of those new neighbors and welcoming them to the community? Let them know you’re glad they’re on your street. Build a relationship with them that creates an atmosphere of trust and respect.
Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about their cultural traditions. Become a student of their heritage. When you take the time, you will fid that right next door is a world of opportunity—opportunity to share the gospel.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8
By Vonette Bright
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