Our country is in a state of turmoil. People are hurting emotionally and many, financially. Each day seems to reveal another challenge. The lingering impacts of COVID-19, add on the horrible instances of racism along with riots and protests, are the making of a tumultuous time.
The Bible tells us in Genesis that God created created the world without sin. Man brought sin into God’s perfect creation. The Bible tells stories of deceit, jealously, adultery, and murder. All created by the selfishness of man. Unfortunately, since the beginning of time, man has defied God and allowed our sins to pull us away from Him, which includes racism and discrimination.
Our Lord tells us in Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” How does Christ feel about different colors, race, or people? I encourage you to take a few minutes and read these verses in the Bible to see what our Lord says about mankind and His creation.
• Galatians 3:28
• Acts 10:34-35
• Colossians 3:11
• Romans 2:9-11
• John 13:34
• Revelations 5:9-10
• Proverbs 31:8-9
• Acts 10:15-48
• Colossians 3:10-16
What causes us to fear and discriminate against our fellow man? Jesus said in John 8:15-16, “You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgement is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me.”
As has been stated by many, racism is a sin issue, not a skin issue. When we follow the ways of the world, we are drawn to corrupted thinking that pulls us away from Jesus. When we stop reading our Bibles and God’s word, the devil pulls apart our conviction and resolve to follow Christ’s teachings and example.
Hall of Fame player and coach Tony Dungy recently stated “I believe it has to start with those of us who claim to be Christians. We have to come to the forefront and demonstrate the qualities of the One we claim to follow, Jesus Christ. We have to be willing to speak the truth in love but we have to recognize that we are not fighting against other people. We are fighting against Satan and his kingdom of spiritual darkness.”
Plain and simple, Satan drives us to discrimination, hate, and violence. The world needs Jesus. Jeremiah 10:16 says “for He is the maker of all things. And Israel is the travel of His inheritance; The Lord of hosts is His name.” Our Lord made us and this world perfect, without sin. We brought sin into God’s perfect creation.
John’s vision, recorded in Revelations 7:9 reads “After these things I looked, and behold a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” The Bible clearly states that “all nations, tribes, and people” will stand before God. We are all equal in God’s kingdom and therefore we should treat everyone in God’s own image on earth.
Lord God, please heal us. We are in need of your grace and love. We ask for your strength in our lives each day to point us in the right direction. Give us the judgement and wisdom to follow your Word and not the ways of this world. Allow us to feel your divine presence as we choose to change our neighborhoods and communities through our own example, which “surpasses all understanding.” Amen
