Thoughts On Racism

Lately, I've had several questions about the churches response (or lack of it ) regarding the events that have once again revealed it's ugly head across this nation.  
I have read so many brilliant articles and responses by major personalities in faith as well as equally brilliant responses from friends.  Why add my voice? I don't want my lack of public response to be interpreted as 'not caring.'  So here's my take:

We are all created in the image of God.  We are equal.  We are one. Any difference in any human being should be celebrated: north, south, black, white, cubs fan, cardinal fans.  

The basic tenet of the church should be unity. The basic tenet of my faith and life speaks out against any type of racism.  It's ugly.  It's disgusting. It cannot be simplified as a social problem or an economic problem.  It's sin.  

It's not tolerated in my life, my place of employment, or any relationships in my life. I listen intently to others that are different than me.  I have shed tears at a dinner table as I've heard one of my best friends describe treatment he received by others.  I've dropped my jaw in unbelief more than once as I've watched others be treated differently before my very eyes.  I've also been scolded for an innocent comment that I never realized was racially offensive. I've asked for forgiveness more than once for my sin or even the sins of others. I don't always agree with what I hear, but I listen.

Someday, I will worship around the throne of Almighty God with people from other nations, others that have found forgiveness for sins through Jesus Christ and they will not look like me.

I will not be superior because I am white, an American, Church of God, male, or a Cubs fan!  We will be one.  And every creature will be adoring the Creator.

I can't wait to see Jesus - I know he will be dark skinned and I'm guessing not speak English, yet I will understand everything he says - I hope he will wear a Cubs hat.

So that's my simple perspective.  It's not brilliant.  It's just what Jesus, the dark skinned, Jewish carpenter, Aramaic speaking, Son of God has taught me.

Torn Between Two Loves

I struggle.  It keeps me up at night. It causes my mind to ask strange questions like:
1) Am I wasting my time?
2) Does any of this matter?
3) What are the results that should be measured?
4) What should my calendar look like, if I am a disciple of Jesus Christ?
5) Where should my resources be concentrated, if I am being a follower of Jesus?

These questions arise because I am torn between two loves in my life.

First - I love the church.  I love the body of Christ. I am addicted to things like, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter.  I don't miss preaching a message about the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.  And every advent candle has a color with a purpose.  Christmas on Sunday is a joy and I've never met a Christmas Eve Service, I didn't worship.  I love small groups that gather to pray and study God's Word.  I adore times of worship and prayer with others.  And, I absolutely love traditional hymns on an organ. Yep! I said it.  Nothing like, "This Is My Father's World" on a swelling organ.  I've been in ministry for over 30 years and I have had the joy of being a custodian of the saints.  It was fulfilling and it made a difference in hundreds of people.

Second - I am devoted to carry out God's mission of redemption.  Carrying out God's mission can easily get lost as we 'do' church. The church is by it's very nature a missional entity that does worship and discipleship in a missional way in order to achieve the accomplishment of the mission. 

Can you see why I am torn? What should drive the agenda of the church? Are we mobilizers of believers for the mission or should the drive be to become stronger followers?  If we can't decide which one drives us, I promise you, the default will be custodians of the saints. The joy and the mundane of ministry.

I hope the reader doesn't think I am saying, choose one or the other.  Both have value.  Both are two loves of my life.  The question that I struggle with and pose to you is, which one should drive us?'

Peace!