Can you believe we’re more than halfway through the year and another school year is about to begin? Our students are growing up in a world that is increasingly diverse. Yet some argue it falls short in providing racial equality.
Students’ feelings about race and fairness came to light after a group of students; represented by the organization Students for Fair Admissions, Inc.; sued Harvard University and the University of North Carolina for discrimination in their admissions process. Each university receives tens of thousands of freshmen applications each year, but students noted African American and Hispanic applicants were given preference over Asian American and white students in an effort to meet racial quotas. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the students and struck down the practice of race-based affirmative action in college admissions.
Affirmative action is the use of policies, laws, programs and procedures to provide educational or career opportunities to some who might not otherwise have access. President Barak Obama and Justice Sonia Sotomayor have credited this practice with their academic opportunities. The practice was designed with good intent, but it came with some unintended consequences. Opportunities given to one group often came at the expense of another group. Instead of producing respect for the winner, it often caused resentment for the loser because the winner was given an unfair advantage. Instead of creating unity between different cultures, it provoked racial tensions and division. Consequently, it fell short of providing real fairness. In an effort to balance the ship, affirmative action created a tidal wave that threatened to sink it.
The Value of Grace
When God decided who qualified for admission to Heaven, race was not a factor in His selection. He had no quotas to meet or personal preferences that would cause Him to favor one group over another. Unlike universities with limited space, Heaven has no space constraints. God is willing and able to receive all who want admission. He has only one requirement: faith in His Son, Jesus. Admission to Heaven is not something applicants can earn, but is a gift of grace. This free, unlimited and undeserved gift instantly levels the playing field for all comers.
Under grace, no one can claim a racial advantage or disadvantage. No one can claim to be better or worse than anyone else. There are no VIPs, no inner circles, cliques or elites. There are no upperclassmen, first-class men or ruling classes. All are undeserving — yet all are accepted.
Grace is so inclusive it seems unfair. Actually, it is. We are sinners who deserve judgment, not kindness. When God’s sinless Son, Jesus, took the judgment we deserved, He turned our sense of justice upside-down. We received access to God and eternal life; He received death. That wasn’t fair.
Only someone who understands how far God went to give us access to Heaven can fully appreciate grace’s value. And only someone who appreciates its value can share it with others.
The Beauty of Grace
Grace is a diamond which shines brightest when set against a dark background. That’s why it sparkles with rare beauty in a world where people expect to get what they deserve. You see, no one expects to receive love from an enemy. Or blessing in return for cursing. Or good will for hatred. Or prayer for abuse. When this is how we respond to the unfairness of life, we show the world grace in action. We create cultures of grace in the places we live, work and worship. We show them the love of Jesus.
The Difference of Grace
Imagine what a world this would be if, instead of getting even, we treated others the way we wanted them to treat us. How many racial conflicts would be resolved if we practiced grace’s kindness and good will? Grace creates an environment where friends in conflict are reconciled and new relationships are formed, as Henry J. Van Dyke wrote in the famous hymn:
Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Henry J. Van Dyke
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.
Regardless of your views of the Supreme Court’s decision on student admissions, one thing is certain: Even when the world seems unfair, grace makes a difference. Those who have received admission to Heaven by grace through faith ought to lead the way in sharing this undeserved kindness with others. Let’s use it to show others who Jesus is. Let’s use it to make a difference today.
Article by Cam Edwards
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