I've worked places where I've had a position of leadership. Not the head honcho, but definitely had a seat at the table. When at the table you are privy to things. You hear a vision, and you have a relevant voice. When at the table, you also receive the benefits of the table. Whatever that looks like.
And the folks at the table have a perspective that's different from those who aren't. A table-sitter might assume that vision is shared, and things are known, when in reality that's not the case. Simply because one may be aware of something doesn't mean everyone is.
I can recall during a season of table-sitting, that I really lived a bit blind to thinking that there was a mutual understanding of things among everyone—when in fact there was not. It's just that I was in the know, so I figured everyone else was too. I was wrong.
You see, position can breed ignorance.
So here we are on July 26, 2015, about a week removed from the heinous killing in the AME Church in Charleston. On the heals of the McKinney Pool Party. On the heals of a lot of race-infused events. Media is ablaze about it. Status Updates are exploding with commentary. And here I am. A white guy. Trying to make sense of this.
I've watched Fox, CNN, and the local news. I've listened to NPR. I've viewed a bunch of online coverage. I've read a bunch of commentary. And talked to a lot of folks.
And I realize I've got a seat at the table. And that my seat has given me my perspective. And my perspective has caused me to live a bit blind to thinking that there was a mutual understanding of things among everyone—when in fact there was not. It's just that I was in the know (my know), so I figured everyone else was too. I was wrong.
You see, position can breed ignorance.
So what does someone with a seat at the table do about this? Step away from the table.
The other day, there was a woman I heard interviewed. She was speaking about how we can positively impact race relations. She said things like, we shouldn't be lazy about this. We should call it out when we hear it (and not ignore it). We should put ourselves in places that cause thought, discussion, and change—those uncomfortably risky places.
Now the Bible-believing churches are commanded to love and serve. To build a kingdom that is not of this world. To go to Nineveh. However, lots of us who call ourselves Christians simply sit around the tables of our faith. We're comfortable in our chairs. And from these chairs, we establish truths and points of view, we post and hashtag, and we cast our ballots—we do what we do.
You see, position can breed ignorance. Step away from the table, Christian.
"I will show you my faith by my works." - James 18