RACISM, Day 237, My Weakness for His Strength Volume 2
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.
—EPHESIANS 2:14
Racism: discrimination based on the belief that some races are by nature superior [Webster’s Dictionary].
I must be clear about my goal, which is not to abolish racism but to heighten the revelation of Christ in the hearts of men. The greater truth will include the lesser.
The sin of racism has been elevated above others. It is a great issue in the United States, where the Constitution specifically forbids it and yet it is practiced. However, from my traveling observations, be assured that racism is alive
and well in every country. It is generally overlooked in other countries, because those on both sides of the fence openly admit it as a way of life and do not have a subculture that condemns it. In short, the majority of mankind practices it and sees nothing wrong with it.
I am allowed my opinion and it is this: Every single person on the planet has a racist attitude somewhere in a place deep within. Why? We look to the results of racism for the answer and not the cause. The cause is pride. Pride is the root of every form of racism. Even those prejudiced against racists have their cause rooted in pride, for the Bible tells us judgments reveal our heart. “You who judge practice the same things.” When people busily describe so accurately the heart and mind of a racist, how can they do that? They know perfectly the heart of a racist, for they themselves have that heart and respond with reactionary racism as they keep pointing out the foul motives of the racists. Now we know their own motives.
Let me illustrate with true stories. A pastor friend was forced to leave his church in the Deep South because he wanted to allow Blacks to attend church! Another friend, from Australia, had the opportunity to visit a Black church in Canada. One member got up and prophesied that in the end times Jesus was going to allow the Black man to go to war with Whites and conquer them! The entire congregation exploded with approving shouts and clapping. My point is, “as it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE” (Romans 3:10). Do you believe there is someone righteous in the area of racism? I do not, for every man has pride.
When I first started traveling around the world, there were many instances where the atrocities of the White man—specifically Americans—were brought to my attention. I really did not care, for I was there to preach Christ. However, as the accusations and condemnation continued, I would eventually find myself defending White people. What a stupid thing, to defend the flesh of another man. One day I came away saying to the Lord, “Jesus, I came to preach You, not defend man. I know it is stupid to get sucked in. Why do I let myself?” He was gracious to whisper the answer, “Pride.” I have been in hundreds of homes around the world. Despite their color or lineage, every family worries about the same things: their relationship with God, their marriage, their children, and finances. We are not different, and the answer for all of us is Jesus. So it is vexing when there, in that place, with so much in common with my family in Christ, I find myself talking about something that could not matter a bit: White people!
How could any of us believe ourselves better than any others if not for pride? Why would we try to prove ourselves as good as others if not for pride? Pride makes us live to man in one way or another. It may keep us from inviting to our home the teenager whose style of dress, hairdo, and body adornment is different from our own. If he were invited, it could be discovered that the teen’s home is a wreck, he has never been loved, he only knows how to hate, and he is full of self-protecting pride. Would we have done better growing up in his home? A Black man’s son wants to marry a beautiful Christian who is White. At the family reunion, out of earshot, she is judged and
condemned by the other women. Why? Pride! An elderly man in England often verbally abused me for years. One day he came to me, saying, “I just hated you because you are an American. The Americans came to World War II late.” Pride!
The root of racism lies not so much in believing your color is better than another color; the root is believing you are better than another, any other! Are you? Are you better because of your understanding, your politics, your wealth, your health, your strength, your education, your intelligence, your color, your anti-racist stance, your looks, where you grew up, your national heritage, your family history, or your “open mindedness”? People really do not want equality; everyone in some shape or form wants to be better than and believe he is better than someone else. This attitude of pride is all the justification carnal man needs to abuse another. There is no need beating a dead horse; history is replete with examples of the results of pride. I do not believe it is possible to educate people out of their pride. It is interesting to note how we feed pride in people and then wonder why they think they are better than others.
Jesus comes and equalizes all men, but not in the way we think He should bring equality! He makes all men equal in two ways. First, as Romans 3:23 tells us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Oh, yes, all men are EXACTLY the same; all in their pride have sinned! More than anything else we have this in common with every person of every race: We are sinners. It is a greater title that includes the lesser, for if we can accept this, we
have accepted our pride and are ready for embracing the second category of equality. “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one . . .” (Ephesians 2:14). He has made us one! We are equal in Him, all sons, all gifted, all accepted, all holy, all righteous, and all humble.
Now, you must admit where you are to leave where you are. Are you willing to admit that you are a racist? For to be a racist you need have the attitude that you are better than only one other person. Are you willing to admit to pride? If so, then belly up to the bar and start preaching Christ; He is the cure for the cause.
One last thing, if you have been on the receiving end of racism, do not embrace the identity of a victim. Becoming a person with a victim mentality makes the victimizer your god, one who ultimately controls your life, happiness, and future. No one can truly live that way. You must see God in it. Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me up to you has the greater sin” (John 19:11). Bless those who curse you. God is not fighting wicked people; He is using them in our lives. You will have your reward in heaven when your oneness is revealed to all!