A time for honest dialogue and truth
We are all part of the human race. While some have different cultures and different skin colors, we are all human. Prejudice and bigotry have no place in a Christian society. The Lord says in 1 Samuel 16:7, "for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." Man seems to see and characterize others often by their appearance, or man often judges another by the content of his own heart. Have you ever been accused of something that you never considered, yet the accuser (you find out later) does exactly what he accused you of doing? Unfortunately, far too often judgments are made that are counter to peaceful and righteous living.
It doesn't help when a man of color is placed in the White House promising to be a uniter and he ends up being a divider. Instead of words of encouragement, reconciliation and unification, he has been the lecturer, the avenger, the user of words that justify actions against one another. This should not be. It is a wasted opportunity. We can debate the politics of it. The right and wrong of it. But without trust, truth, and honesty, there is no end to what I would call cultural bias, what others would call racial bias. But I must say, as Christians--one to another--we are not called to hate. 1 John 4:12 says, "No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us."
Indeed, perhaps too many incidents have happened, too many mouthy baiters and haters pointing fingers at those who do not harbor such accusations in their hearts, too much water has flowed under this bridge. But we owe it to ourselves and our God to try to find ways to shine the light of Christ on situations where hate and animosity grow unabated like a viral disease. There is a need for outreach, dialogue, discussion. There is also a need for accountability--consequences. There is a need to forgive, to repent, to assist, to understand, to cross the line, to hold the line, to not jump to conclusions, to know the facts, to seek the truth. In truth, there is freedom. All too often it is difficult to face, but liberating in its sight.
When we read stories about how a Black muslim executed two policemen (an Asian and an Hispanic) to avenge the deaths of two Black men, it is grievous. Moreover, it appears that there is a war against police in America and it was incited, at least in part, by the Attorney General's and the "president's" words and lectures. As Christians, we can play a role in all this by showing the truth of Christ. Through Christ, a difference can be made. Those responsible should be held accountable, not only to the law, but to society. For the rest, we must somehow navigate through the politics and the cultures and the rage to, as Christ said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
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