My Heart On A Nation At War
This nation is at war.
Sides are being chosen.
Hurt and anger are exploding.
Everyone is crying out for their side to be heard.
And I'm listening.
Over the past couple of days, I have followed the events in our nation and observed the resulting ripple effects. My heart goes out to the African-American community as I recognize the hurt, neglect, and injustice they have lived with in a land of Freedom. My heart also goes out to the brave men and women who put on the badge every day who now face ridicule and slander for the actions of a few. Both sides are hurting; each equally desiring to be understood. As I've listened, I have felt the growing needed to share what has been laid on my heart in light of this storm we are walking through.
— — — — —
First, let me address the treatment of the badge and my stance on this.
I am so grateful for those who bleed blue and are truly doing their job to seek true justice while protecting and serving our country during this time. I have seen countless examples of humble and sacrificial service coming from these men and women as they put their lives on the line every day. They chose to put on that badge because of us. Their love for this country and desire to keep us safe is what led them to this career.
However, I will agree that just like any other career there will be some who tarnish the name and reputation of the good. What happened in Minneapolis was inexcusable. I agree that the officers responsible must be held accountable for their indifference and treatment of George Floyd. I also don't want them to receive "leniency" because of their race or occupation. But I do not think the actions of a few (both in this case and in other abuses of police power) should determine the validity of law enforcement as a whole. If we simply did away with all law enforcement, we would quickly descend into anarchy. We NEED them! My profoundest hope and prayers are that this nation recognizes this.
Most importantly, we need to remember that the real enemy is not law enforcement or even a person. He is an invisible puppet master working behind the scenes to create devices. He seeks to kill and destroy God's creation. He creates chaos. He is a thief and a lier. And most importantly, he has an end in sight and will not be the ultimate victor, but he desires to take as many people with him to his demise. Satan is at work in this world and his control is evidenced by incidences like George Floyd. Satan is the lord of upheaval, injustice, pride, greed, hatred, and anything anti-god. As such, the battle is not "which side should I align with" but "guard my heart against the evildoer and give me God's eyes to view this situation!"
— — — — —
Next, let me present my stance on the "black lives matter" outcry.
While I do not fully stand for the entirety of this movement, I do feel strongly that there has been injustice. I do believe we have ultimately sinned in our view and treatment of the black community - whether subconsciously or deliberately. How so? Because racism is opposed to everything the Gospel represents.
Racism is defined as "a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits." It is an assumption that one race is superior to another. In reality, it is a fear or dislike of someone who is different from us. When Jesus went to the cross, he never once singled out who He was dying for. He never once said he valued one man's life over another's. He died for everyone.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
1 John 2:2
"He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
Hebrews 2:9
"But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone."
2 Corinthians 5:15
"And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."
God created man in His image so every human on this planet bears the image of our Creator. God designed all of our unique and equally beautiful appearances, skin colors, personalities, and perspectives. And most importantly, God views us all the same. Not only are we equal in His eyes, but we are all undeserving. Because of sin, we all deserve the same fate and yet God provided mankind with such overwhelming Grace and unconditional forgiveness! We are all privileged in the fact that we can accept a gift we can do nothing to deserve and yet are being freely offered.
Because of this, my heart breaks for the African-American community. They have felt alienated. They have felt unheard. And they have felt fear. I can't begin to ask God enough for forgiveness for how these precious children in his sight have been made to feel! I am disappointed and angry that Christians - myself included - who are the people called to be "little Christs" on this earth have failed to be the voices of love and hope to these hurting people. We were given a mission to share Christ's amazing Grace as well as have His eyes for those around us. Instead, we have universally been deemed as judgmental, insincere, and hypocritical in our interactions with others. How is that living out the Gospel? How is that showing Christ's love?
"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.”
- William J. Toms
My prayer is that we as Christians will take a step back and step forward in humility. We need grace to attentively listen. We need a willingness to acknowledge the bridges we have created. And we need boldness to spread the answer this world is so desperately seeking. Everyone is seeking fulfillment and love. This world has a God-shaped hole in their hearts and we have the answer! Let's be willing to step out of the chains of legalism and be the gracious and genuine lights Jesus instructed us to be.
"Tragically, too often in the past evangelical Christians have turned a blind eye to racism or have been willing to stand aside while others take the lead in racial reconciliation, saying it was not our responsibility. (I admit I share in that blame.) As a result, many efforts toward reconciliation in America have lacked a Christian foundation and may not outlive the immediate circumstances that brought them into existence. Our consciences should be stirred to repentance by how far we have fallen short of what God asks us to be as his agents of reconciliation."
- Billy Graham
Love, Emily
Comments
Post a Comment