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What the Church Must Do
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
In John 8:32, Jesus says, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
When we all know the truth about racism, we will all be free of it. The only way that the chasm of racism will close is for everyone to understand that we are all one, as God made us.
Each segment of society has played and continues to play its part in racism. However, I'm writing about the Church because that is my mission, because the Lord Jesus Christ is at the center of my life, and because the Church has played an important part in perpetuating racism.
Some prominent leaders of the Church have supported or have at one time appeared to support racism. Many others have remained silent when the only true Christian response is to speak out and act to end it. The Church's role is doubly sinful because not only does it go against God's Word about the different nations of people; it also goes against what Jesus says about the Church.
In Matthew 5:13-14, Jesus tells us: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."
What a responsibility and a privilege to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world! How miserably the Church has failed until now!
When Africans were brought to America as slaves, instead of some churches coming out for the abolition of slavery, the Church as a whole did not throw God's light on the evil institution to make sure that it ended as quickly as it began.
Matthew 25:45 says: "Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me."
Some Christian leaders have ignored the fact that all of us of every color are part of the same race, the human race, and that as Christians we are all one in Jesus. However, the Scriptures tell us that in Christ, old things pass away and all things become new. This means that anyone who up to now may not have known God's teaching against racism can in Christ renounce racist thoughts and ways and become new.
I Peter 4:17: For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Let this warning also be an inspiration. If the Church finally becomes the house of God that it was meant to be and leads the way against racism as it was always meant to do, it will light the way for everyone else.
If the Church takes on its role as the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and if all Christians everywhere condemn racism as the sin it is, the "huge racial chasm" will finally close.
This devotional was excerpted from Dr. Price's book series, "Race, Religion & Racism, Volume 2." Please call us at (800) 927-3436 for a complete list of his products.
© Dr. Frederick K.C. Price all rights reserved |
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