A Non-Discriminatory Policy

An article in yesterday's Dallas Morning News caught my eye.  The focus was on businesses in Mississippi who are displaying "We don't discriminate" signs in the windows of their the establishments.  Knowing the history of that area of the country you might think the current campaign is racially motivated.  In this case, the shop owners are letting customers know they do not discriminate against gays and lesbians.  The current campaign is a response to a state law that will take effect on July 1.  The law bans the government from limiting the free practice of religion.  While that may sound like a positive move, in the eyes of some it opens the door for some to ban individuals because they violate their religious principles.  The article gives the example of a photographer who refuses to provide service at the wedding of a gay or lesbian couple.   

While those who support the gay, lesbian, and trans-gender culture are behind the drive, the article focused on one particular shopkeeper who does not fit that profile.  Mitchell Moore owns Campbell's Bakery and proudly displays the "We don't discriminate" sign.  "I am a straight, white,  southern Christian conservative" notes Moore.  He goes on to state, "I don't understand why Christians consider one sin worse than another sin. 

I have never understood discrimination on any level.  Even growing up in Detroit in the sixties, I couldn't comprehend why some people were biased against Black people.  I never felt threatened by Blacks.  When my parents looked for a bigger house for our family, we moved closer to the central city.  At the same time many of our neighbors were fleeing to the suburbs.  I can trace my attitude to my father, who considered all people to be his neighbors.  That is probably why my parents were able to live in that house for over forty years and numerous changes in the community.   And I know dad's principles were based on the teachings of Jesus.  Jesus didn't discriminate during His earthly walk.  He ministered to all people, and when he gave his life He died for the sins of all people, including those who put him on the cross.

That is a principle we need to pass on to the next generation.  The best way to do that is to model Jesus' non-discriminatory policy.  We might have our faith-based values, but the only way to share those principles with those who are different is through a relationship.