Let me first say that I call folks black and white even though my skin is no more white than yours is black. If you want me to call you African American, that’s fine. I guess it’s just the term my generation used, and it is certainly not meant to be offensive. I would rather just call you my brother or sister in Christ. For the sake of brevity, I will use these short terms in this post.
I was blessed in my early years to witness significant racial harmony. My parents started a Christian interracial singing group that was together from the late 60s to the late 80s. I spent many summers on a tour bus where blacks and whites got along like family.
Similarly, I rode a bus through elementary school until my older sisters learned to drive. 90% of the students on the bus were black. While the bonds weren’t as strong as I witnessed on the tour bus, I had plenty of good friends on the school bus. Even as society exerted more and more of a negative influence, many of these friendships continued through high school.
These experiences laid the foundation for our ministry today. We help anyone who claims to be in need, regardless of any criteria—especially skin color. We have been motivated by Deuteronomy 15:11. Just as the Israelites were commanded to be openhanded toward the needy in their land, so are we.
Today, it is a shame to see the racial divide seemingly reignited. Why is that so? High-profile deaths of black men by police officers in the last couple of years seem to be the latest fire stoker. As a result, social media and the “press” have had a field day.
Black lives matter. Blue lives matter. All lives matter. You’ve heard these slogans, I’m sure. What is causing such discord? The media? Political correctness? The opposite political party?
Actually, the problem is very old, very common, and very simple. It is sin. Now wait, some skeptics may say. Many who have claimed to be Christians have been active purveyors of racism. This is true.
I propose this to you: a life truly surrendered to Christ is not a racist. Jesus loves the whole world (John 3:16). 1 John clearly states that those who hate still live in darkness (2:9–11) and are murderers (3:15) and liars (4:20). Further, every nation, tribe, people, and language will be represented in heaven (Revelation 7:9). It just doesn’t wash to have any measure of racism and call yourself a follower of Christ. He is the opposite of a racist.
If in fact the racial divide is increasing in America, I believe it is because the number of non-Christians is increasing. Our country strays more and more from our loving Creator. From our government officials to the media to the average Joe, there are fewer and fewer who are pursuing a life truly surrendered to Christ. In fact, the exact opposite is happening. God is being chased out of the halls of government, our courtrooms, our classrooms, and even some of our churches.
Unfortunately, and for this reason, we should not be surprised when every problem in our society—like racism—gets worse. In fact, we should expect it.
I encourage you to let the light of Jesus shine through you. Help slow and even reverse the dangerous course that our country is currently on by loving on people without forsaking the truth of God’s Word. Otherwise, the consequences for America could be irreversible. People will realize far too late the path toward God that we should have been taking.
