Posted on January 8, 2023 by Tom Chimento
It is hard to watch the news today without someone talking about racism or people being racist. We begin with a definition of racism. According to the Oxford definition, racism is: “Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.” It’s also important to consider that racism encompasses both individual prejudices and bias along with manifestations of discrimination.
Since it is such a controversial topic, most media outlets who are looking for ratings love to talk about it. What they are actually doing is throwing fuel on the fire of racism. They do this intentionally because peace and unity does not “sell” in the news. So, an already bad situation becomes worse each day.
Lets be clear on the matter. Does racism really exist today in America? Absolutely! Does stealing exist? Does the killing of the unborn exist? Does lying exist? Does sexual immorality exist? Does homosexuality exist? Does child pornography exist? Does human smuggling and sex trafficking exist? The answers are obvious to all these questions… YES on every account. These questions are not an attempt to minimize the issue of racism but there is a common thread that runs through each one. Sin! Sin that is allowed to grow and fester in a person’s heart is capable of unleashing terrible atrocities, racism being one of them.
The Church
Let’s not think that the church is exempt from racism though. Over the past several years I have seen racism enter the church. To see brothers and sisters who once shared a common love warring against one another about race over social media has grieved my heart. The Church needs to wake up! This is an attempt by demonic forces to undermine the ways and truth of Gods kingdom on earth. Our fight is against these demonic principalities and powers at work in our day, not against one another.
Part of the problem today is that many church leaders refuse to address the issue of sin in the church. Showing partiality in the scriptures is called sin. Many leaders don’t want to “make waves” or look like they are “taking sides”, they try to accommodate everyone so that no one gets upset. So they say nothing at all. In truth, this type of leadership strategy has the complete opposite effect. Many in the congregation end up wondering where the leaders stand on issues causing speculation which ultimately leads to gossip, backbiting and infighting. As Christians, we don’t “take sides”, we speak the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. The enemy is using race among other things in an attempt to destroy the Church from the inside. Beware!
Let the Scriptures Speak
The Word of God may seem blunt to us at times, but that does not make it less true. For instance, in James 2:9 it says:
"...but if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors". James 2:9
The Greek term James uses for “partiality” (prosopolempsia) means to show favoritism or prejudice, to treat one person as inherently better than another. Any type of prejudice is a sin against God. God shows no partiality.
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him". Acts 10:34-35
God loves all His creation and He receives glory from their uniqueness. Each person has been specifically designed by God to express different aspects of his righteousness and loving character to the world. To get an idea of what God is going to cause to happen in the last days we can look at the vision John was given in the book of Revelations.
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10
Conclusion
Keeping things in perspective, the bible states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23. We all fall short of Gods best for us on a consistent basis whether by action or thought. Thankfully we have a loving Father who, when we sin, forgives us of our transgressions. For the forgiveness of God to be effective in our lives we must first repent. Repentance means turning away from the sin and walking in the opposite direction. So if you have fallen into the trap of racism (or partiality) as the scriptures refer to it, we must repent first, and then put feet on our repentance by practicing love and inclusivity for all people.
Don’t allow the news cycles, or our public education system or any other demonic propaganda deceive you into taking sides on this crucial issue of race. Take a stand for truth!