Out Of Many One Faith

 

A few days ago, I wrote an article on my blog about the tragedy of Trayvon Martin and what concerned me most about it. Since then, I have seen events that have concerned me about the health of our country in regards to our relationship as children of the Most High. I know the world is comprised of many types of individuals, groups, races, cultures, and the weirdest and scariest of them all, politicians. So with all of these differences and varied make-up in our society, I am not surprised that the reaction to the Trayvon tragedy has stirred up many emotions and many different reactions. However, it is troubling for me to see how some have responded, and I am in total disagreement with many of the antics of those who tend to over react, seek public exposure, and interject their own ambitions, especially those who see this as an opportunity to further their ambiguous causes… some on the right and others on the left. (Unfortunately this seems to be the dividing line in our country).

Political division has been a constant in all societies since man began to exist under socially organized governance. We surely will have to deal with this state of separation until Christ returns for His Church. However, in spite of our many differences, and because we are held to a higher moral standard, there are times when the Church should come together as one Body and with one voice.  One such time when there is a need for the Church to consolidate is when there is injustice, mistreatment or that all “righteous” rush to judgment that is prevalent in society. But, I am afraid that in too many cases, the Church is not unified when she should. Instead, our self adjudication of social norms has caused intolerance among God’s people. This is Paul’s call on the Church in the name of unity: Ephesians 4:1-4” As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ”

What I have seen and experienced is a Church that seems to take a polarizing stance with the Trayvon tragedy and others like it. In the American Christian community, there are two dominant bodies of God’s people, and I am not referring to denominations. I am talking about the Black or African American Churches and the White or Anglo American Churches. These titles are not literal in the sense that they are so officially called. I am using these terms to best identify the types of churches to which I am writing about. Now, there is nothing wrong with this kind of separation. God did not make one kind of people, and we really don’t have to be politically correct when we talk about races. We are many with each one reaching one, and in addition to that, St. Paul taught that we should not hinder anyone from worshiping in ways that is comfortable to the individual. Here is where we should not differ. The Bible teaches us to stand against evil where ever and whenever it raises its ugly head. In other words, we should stand together as one Body in Christ to combat the wiles of the devil. What happened to Trayvon and the reaction from various public and political figures was a result of racism, mistrust, bias, jealously, and an entitlement mentality that is pervasive in our society today. This is what I see from the two Churches since the onset of this story: The African American Church: we have consistently preached against these kinds of evil, however, too many of us have continued to use the pulpit to preach in a way that has stirred up division, mistrust, and unforgiveness between the races. At times, we align ourselves with groups that display questionable intentions and refuse to accept the fact that the country has moved passed the era when the Jim Crow laws were openly practiced. The Anglo American Church: we have a tendency to ignore the evil of racism as if it is someone else’s problem. We do not preach against the issue when it is staring us in the face and ripping the nation apart. You exist with an entitling mentality that this country is really for you and everyone else is an alien, literally!  Some in the white churches view Christianity as if it’s a religion that really belongs only to your race, that somehow, God is partial to your church…in truth, sadly, this is actually a claim that most racist groups stand on.

To the African American Church: you need to watch your tongue. It is the rudder for the whole congregation. You have ignored other moral issues that are clearly shown as sin in God’s word and support those who have openly sinned and rebelled with acts that are abhorred by our Heavenly Father. You do this in pursue of your personal desire, under the cloak that you are trying to stop racism at all cost. All along, your behavior is as if you are incapable of being a racist yourself. Paul warned us in Ephesians 4:25,29-32; “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

For the Anglo American Church: where is your tongue? Who else but the people of God to point out the evils of the nation? We know you are aware of this because there are many other issues of evil policies that you readily stand in the gap against. Why are racism and unfair or biased practices not among them? James warned us of this kind of behavior: James 2:8-10; If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Both Churches: guard your sanctuary, your holy altar from being influenced by politicians, community activists, and commercialized causes, because their purposes are driven by self ambition. Also guard your sanctuary from the spirit of division and racism both internal and external. Remember in whom justice is assured, Matthew 12:18-21 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the One I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out, till He has brought justice through to victory. In His name the nations will put their hope.” This verse is a prophecy from Isaiah 42:1-4. It’s a prophecy that promises Christ’s redemption from social injustice for the weak and marginalized, doing so by the power of the Holy Spirit, not with violence or strife.

Come on now Church. Our relationship with Christ is far more important than the shades of our skin and more important than any earthly political system or manmade creed. So get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Remember who your Savior is and serve Him with all you heart, soul, and might. When the world seems hopeless, just turn to the one whom our salvation comes from…for it is in Him that we “live, and move, and have our being”, and best of all, He is colorblind. The Church is the buffer that keep evil at bay throughout all societies. If the Church is now aligning itself with certain political groups that appears to fit they preferences or feelings instead of standing on the Word of God and emulating the Light of Christ, then society as a whole is doom to decay.

J R Tracey