Actively Anti-Racist: That's Just Plain Leadership

Racism is wrong. End it.

A pastor friend posted on social media this week posted that it is time [for Christians] to stop being silently non-racist and to start being vocally anti-racist. Well said, Pastor Greg. Well said. Racism is hatred fueled by an unjustified selfishness borne of sin. Racism is judging another on the color of his or her skin. Racism is placing yourself above your neighbor and treating him less than yourself. Racism in every way, shape, form and fashion, is sin.

“’Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’ ‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.’” (Mark 12:28-31, NIV)

America, we are not loving our neighbor.

When my youngest son was in middle school, he taught me a lesson in humility and righteousness. He saw too many kids being bullied and he took a stand. His wasn’t a stand against anything, but a stand for something. He stood for his neighbor when his neighbor couldn’t stand for himself.

Whether you call yourself a Christian or Atheist, a Servant Leader or just plain Leader, what we are seeing in these United States of America today has to stop. Racism. Gender inequality. Politics. Anywhere we see one human being taking advantage of another it is our responsibility to actively oppose that action. Not by rioting and burning down buildings or injuring innocent police officers or firemen or bystanders. But by standing in concert with them and preventing injustice. Give the assisting officer the strength to stand up against his partner or his senior when he witnesses wrongdoing. This isn’t Hollywood pushing some unwritten brotherhood code: This is America where we do right, by God, else we burn.

“Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.” (Isa 1:7, NIV)

The murder of George Floyd brings about deep emotion from all sides. Christians from the four corners see that video and our hearts hurt for Floyd. We don’t know the whole story, but our hearts hurt. We cannot bring George Floyd back by smashing car windows and destroying storefronts. We can’t bring George Floyd back period. What we can do is bring back the love of our neighbor that we seem to have lost. What we can do is bring back God into our homes, our schools, our police force, our every breath. What we can do is speak up when we see injustice, anywhere, anytime.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

(Romans 12:9-20, NIV)

(Photo: disrn.com)