2 Corinthians 10:3-7
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.
Today we conclude our month-long celebration of Black History. This has been a month of reflection, commemoration and remembrance of the many wonderful Americans of African descent and their contributions to modern life in our country. But in full disclosure, I am ambivalent, and somewhat torn in my appreciation for this celebration. It exists simply because of the injustices imposed upon a people due only to the color of their skin. It doesn’t diminish or take away from the many great contributions they've made, but it certainly speaks to the need for a broader and deeper understanding of how we got where we are today.
I guess I sound like the typical angry black man. Mad at the world for all the atrocities suffered by my people. Angry at the system for its treatment of me and my family throughout these many centuries. Disenchanted and disillusioned with the “American dream” which is only a fairytale to many of us, and full of hatred for those that continue to oppress and block true progress in this country.
But you may be surprised. I’m not angry and any of those things. Honestly, I don’t expect equal treatment under the law for, black and brown people. I don’t put my hope in a system of inclusion and inclusiveness. It’s not what humans do. The world system is without genuine care and deep rooted concern for others. We live in a dog-eat-dog existence. That’s what the world does.
However, what I find hard to reconcile is a Church (a Christian entity) that promotes hate over love. At the heart of everything that Christians are expected to uphold is love. And God’s love is without dissemination. There is no room for race, color, gender or creed. The very essence of our faith demands total immersion into selfless love.
So as I said earlier, I find myself in a quandary, ambivalent and a bit confused. While I totally understand the worldly view that promotes hate and self satisfaction, I totally don’t understand the Church. There’s no way to reconcile the two.
This is why I love the Apostle Paul so much. Follow the history and you will too. Peter and the other disciples were prepared to preach the Gospel to the Jews only. In matter of fact, they strongly believed that only those of Jewish descent were entitled to salvation. That would have eliminated all of us...black, white and otherwise. But it was the Apostle Paul that fought vigorously for the true message of God to be preached. The message that God died for us all. And anyone that comes to him will be saved. The Church has failed miserably in that regard.
As a child I remember a damnable doctrine that went as far as to say that black people didn’t even have souls. And this was preached by the Church, not the world. Well I got news for those that hold this view. Not only do we have souls, but we’re super bad!
Notwithstanding, all the atrocities, setbacks, road blocks, abuses, unfair practices, slanders, prejudices and flat out hatred, God has protected His own. We are here because of Him.
Dear Children of God, never, ever let anything dissuade or stop you from reaching your potential in Christ. Not only do we have souls, but we are super bad. The word declares, ‘we are more than conquerors ‘, ‘we can do all things’, ‘we are the children of God’, ‘we are redeemed and wash in His blood’. What can be more super than that? No matter what race, color, ethnicity or gender you are, remember, He’s your God too!
God bless
