Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:22 says, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”
Joel 2:29 says, “And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
It is obvious that the Lord sees no distinction between men and women, also Jew or Gentile (meaning creed or color), or station in life when it comes to how he views those who believe. So why then is it so difficult for those in the human race to view people in that same way?
There are some who will read this and lecture about there being only one race–the human race. I get that and believe it to be true. Notwithstanding, we still have in this nation and, quite frankly, around the world, problems with dealing with those who look differently than we do. It makes it a little easier if we know we are dealing with believers, but there are still barriers a lot of the time.
This is a very difficult and tender subject to approach. Society is divisive. Politicians, especially politicians, are divisive as they benefit from pitting people against one another. They fan the flames and fuel the fires rather than contributing to meaningful dialogue that brings people together.
This is the season of politics in America. There are a lot of people who are making political statements. There are many out there who unknowingly are manipulated into a way of thinking that is not in accordance with the word of God. There are many who want to control others and the way they do it is through propagating a victim mentality.
The problem is, people fall for it, no matter the color of their skin or their station in life or their religious persuasion. But there is a greater mandate that those of us who call ourselves Christian must follow, especially as the times grow darker. It is a higher standard–one to which we must aspire.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you again.”
I often rephrase this in my mind to say: don’t judge from the content of my own heart.
Our job is, as Jesus said in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.””
And we are to, as Jesus said in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
When you are faced with what society calls racism or political division, use it as an opportunity to educate about the Word of God in a way that folks can understand and receive it (not by lecturing or by being judgmental or self righteous).
The world needs light, we have it. Let’s shine it!
Have a blessed and powerful day!