RACE RELATIONS IN AMERICA

Copyright 2008, Scott E. Smith

I don't usually write about current issues, especially political, but I believe something should be said of what is happening to the racial climate in America. As many of you know I work for a biomed company in one of the most ethnically diverse cities of America-Houston, Texas. I have the wonderful opportunity to serve Indians, Africans, Pakistanis, Iraqis, Russians, Jews, Chinese, Japanese, Blacks, Whites, Reds, Yellows, and everything in-between. We have such a blessing to have a small taste of heaven on earth with all the ethnicities and races in one area. Needless to say, I enjoy interacting with the manifold cultures and the "different and unique" people that I encounter every day. But sadly there has been a change in the way people are dealing with each other; more tension seems to exist among certain groups (or should I say, individuals) as a result, of what I believe, is due to political activity. 

 Recently there has been an element within the political spectrum that has challenged race relations across the nation-especially between those who are black and white. This tension is nothing new, but serves as a reminder that things really have not healed a whole lot in this nation between these two groups. I cannot speak for those who grew up drinking from separate water fountains or those who had to ride on the back of the bus; I cannot identify with those who had to attend school at a segregated location, or those who had racial slurs spoken over them. I can only look back in perpetual silence and thank God that we have come out from such a dark period in our nations history-and thank God that I never had to grow up in the sin infested waters of the segregated past. 

In the past few weeks the political arena has unearthed racial tensions like never before. Not only are they affecting the racial climate, but also the religious as well. Some are looking at supposed "Christian" pastors in a whole new light; and there is palpable empirical evidence for their concern.  I wonder at the claims of political persons who claim they can heal the racial divides and the deep running wounds in America.  After all, Jesus-the sinless Son of God, did not do it; and He didn't come to do it (Luke 4). He didn't come to heal the racial divisiveness of the land; He came to heal the person, which would solve every injustice. He came to set us free from the bondage of sin-and he secured that victory for us on the cross and subsequent resurrection some 2,000 years ago. He came to send out witnesses into a dark and treacherous, unfair, and prejudice world to make an impact for the kingdom of God.

 Many of the individuals that directly walked with Jesus (e.g. Peter) were prejudice persons-it wasn't until God opened their eyes to their biasness that they even took the gospel to all nations. Before Peter received a vision from God in Acts 10 he would have never dared to take the gospel to a non-Jew.

 Our mission today is very clear. It is up to every individual to will to overcome the racial barriers that exist in this country. One person cannot do it in four or eight years time! But individually we can all do our part to begin the healing process that will transcend many decades. Every Christian must step up to the plate; it is time to let our light shine and show others that we are concerned for the souls of ALL persons. It is only when we are truly born again that we will relinquish our prejudices and reach out to a lost and hurting, depraved and dying humanity for the sake of the Gospel.

I John 4:7 says, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." The Greek word for love in this instance is agape. Agape is the Greek word that describes an unconditional love-a love that has no strings attached.  Many people do things for others with ulterior motives, but agape love is love that reaches out without ever looking to receive something back.  It is clear from examining this scripture that a person can only love unconditionally and without prejudice for the sake of turning a person away from the wrath of God when they are "born of God" or "born again."  When we take the gospel to ALL people regardless of what color they are we are operating in the love of God because Jesus died for ALL people (John 3:16).

  

 

 

E-RACE ME

E-race me

I am your disgrace

Admit it, my skin makes you cringe.

            And you disapprove of how I even speak.

But things will change now.

Tweak me to your standard.

My skin has rubbed you the wrong way,

But now the e-race-r is in your hands.

Wipe me clean.

Eliminate my color to ease your disease.

It's my fault that you discriminate.

Go ahead.

Embrace the opportunity to e-race me.

 

The crayons are set before you.

What color will you choose?

How will I look when you are done?

Will you take the opportunity to become my Creator?

A dictator who knows what's best for me-and our deplorable society.

I'm sure that you will make things better.

Better than what God could do.

So color me in.

Just not the sin that my skin has taken on in your eyes.

Don't compromise now.

 

Sure, we will all look the same.

But who wouldn't want all the flowers in the world to be grey?

Who wouldn't mind if the sky never again was blue?

A world where interior decorators would be out of a job.

Where the arts would no longer need to be taught.

Where paintings are only grim reminders of a monochrome society.

Where color blind would be the norm.

Everything would be better-right?

I'll give you a minute to re-think this.

 

Click here to read the companion article to this comment http://unpopulartruth.org/poisonousprejudice.html