There is a very special online event happening tonight 7pm (June 20th) hosted by the Gospel Coalition called “A Night of Lament for Racial Justice”. This would be an excellent way to get closer to God’s heart in these matters of racial justice.
As we read articles, watch documentaries and movies, take in clips on social media, and so on, regarding the racial tensions in America, it’s important to seek out the heart of God. It can be found in the Scriptures in books like Amos and Isaiah. It can be found studying the life of Jesus. Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, Relevant Magazine and others are creating an abundance of content reflecting God’s heart. There are also many books being written to help us see from God’s perspective, like Be the Bridge (one of our summer book club books). I find it helpful to watch clips of Dr. King who was a pastor filled with God’s heart for justice. Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales (Christian programming for kids) made a 17 minute video about racism in America that explained racism more clearly than anything I’ve seen. I’ve also been listening to sermons, especially from people of color. Someone sent me a sermon by Charlie Dates that riveted me this past week. Feed on these kinds of things until the heart of God seeps into you.
What I’m saying is that there are a lot of people out there who are angry about injustice (or angry about disrespect toward police and local businesses) who don’t yet know God personally. Because they are made in the image of God they have a God-given sense of justice. In most cases, their passions are genuine—and they have very good reason to be angry! It’s important to listen to what they are saying. Let them vent. Take in their stories. Empathize.
But get your “spirit” from God.
As I’ve tried to communicate in recent weeks, I think if we are going to do any good in promoting justice it starts with tears. It starts by caring for people. As long as it’s a mere intellectual debate over ideologies I don’t think much will come from it. As long as it’s a Republican versus Democrat thing it will just go in circles. There’s a place for strong criticism toward those who are complicit in racial injustice but criticism alone doesn’t produce deep heart change.
I’ve been pondering a lot about how racism can be toppled and systemic racism dismantled. There’s a lot of effort right now—and it’s needed!—to bring awareness of just how horrifying racism was and still is. There are changes being made on all levels including police reform, tougher sentences on police crimes, taking down icons that represent past racism, changing the definition of racism in the dictionary, even getting rid of Aunt Jemima’s syrup and a million other things. Outward practical changes are good and needed but long term transformation is a heart matter that only God’s grace can fully remedy. What changes the heart? The words of God that communicate the heart of God can melt the hardest heart, the most apathetic heart and even transform the worst racist into a tender follower of Jesus!
So I’m praying that the Church would contribute to this great movement of justice by proclaiming the glory of the God of Justice and crushing ideas that undermine the dignity of black lives. I’m praying that the Church would model (as MLK did so beautifully) the power of non-violent protesting. That we would not only refrain from violence but that we would love our enemies, even as we call them out on things. I’m praying that we’d come alongside those who don’t know God personally but who are passionate for justice and show them the effectiveness of the wisdom of God.
Sadly, the voice of the Church has been diminished and, as someone recently said, “we have come to the party late”. The message of the Church at large has not been taken seriously because we have been inactive and silent on matters of justice. Or worse, have been on the wrong side of justice! We cannot preach the Gospel to a city filled with people of color if we are not actively fighting against racism with them. Selah.
My point is that as we fight racism let’s make sure we stay in the heart of God. That doesn’t mean our passion for justice will be tempered. Not at all! It means it will be effective and lasting. Let’s ask God to topple racism in this generation. That this young generation (15-30) will be remembered as the generation that said, “enough!” and with one heart and mind squash racism and purge systems of inequality. No generation will ever completely eradicate racism until the Lord returns but I believe that God can do exceedingly abundantly beyond what we ask or imagine!