A couple of weeks ago, I shared my concern that America seems to be sinking to a new low in race relations. The media has highlighted in graphic detail just how fractured our culture has become.
Even in times when our country has been at its most unified, racial division has remained an unresolved schism bubbling just below the surface. In the wake of severe racial strife over the past couple of years, the “Black Lives Matter” movement emerged, only to be quickly countered by “Blue Lives Matter” and “All Lives Matter” groups. The voices are all heartfelt. But as well-intentioned as these messages may be, they seem only to be deepening the rift within our cities.
So what is the answer?
Is there an answer?
One thing is for sure – this is absolutely a sanctity of human life issue. One of our foundational pillars here at Focus on the Family, and central to the message of Christianity, is that God created us all in His image, so people of every race should treat people of every other race with dignity and respect.
On our program today and tomorrow, we’ll be airing a message Dr. Tony Evans preached to his church just a couple of weeks ago. Part of what keeps racial tension simmering, he says, is that we all – both inside and outside the church – tend to form staunch opinions based on our own cultural experience and racial heritage, rather than on the Bible.
Even if we’ve had negative experiences that legitimately impact our perceptions, we will never overcome racial inequality or conflict until we have a right understanding of Jesus Christ’s views on race.
Dr. Evans’ message draws from the life of Jesus to illustrate the only way we can, and should, bridge racial divides. As he says it, believers have a responsibility to be “more Christian” than “black, white, yellow or brown.”As you’ll see, Jesus modeled how to interact with someone who is of a different race and background than we are. Dr. Evans’ powerful message about living in Spirit and Truth is one that will help you live out your faith in today’s culture.
I encourage you to join us on your local radio station for Dr. Evans message, “Seeing Race Through Jesus’ Eyes.” Or tune in anytime online or via our free, downloadable mobile phone app.
I hope that, after you listen to Dr. Evan’s message, you’ll come back here and tell me what you think about what he shared. Please let me know what practical takeways you gleaned from the message in the comments below.
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