No More Taboo: Addressing Racism and Culture in the ChurchSample

Day 2: Addressing Racism In The Church, pt.2

I believe that our churches should reflect the communities in which we serve as well as the world we are commissioned to reach. The body of Christ is not to be a breeding ground for hatred, bigotry, partiality, biases (complicit or implicit), ethnic-based insults, or innuendo. 

Believers were given a new nature in the regenerative act of salvation—a Christ-nature. We are no longer simply Jew or Gentile. Neither black, brown, or white, poor or rich, slave or free. We are all ONE in Christ Jesus. If we allow the media (no matter the type or source) to shape our worldview of any particular culture, we have failed at “not judging a book by its cover.”(1 Corinthians 4:5) 

While I do not believe that the world will ever be fully rid of the evil of racism, I do, however, believe that the body of Christ has been positioned and empowered to get it under control and to expel it from among our ranks. We start by shining the light on this unnecessary evil through informative dialogue, historical education, diversity training, and inclusive policies (Ephesians 5:9-13). We can also fill roles in our churches and organizations representative of all colors and races. This should not be done for the sake of tokenism or affirmative action. However, we should be inclusive because it is both biblical and practical. Jesus is returning for a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing as racism. 

Reflect: Do we offer the hope of the Gospel to whosoever will? Remember, the Spirit provides the waters of life freely to anyone that is athirst (Revelation 22:17). 

Prayer: Lord, we are thankful for your sacrifice on Calvary. Thank you for intentionally providing a Gospel that universally applies to, and is inclusive of, all peoples, nations, and languages.