I am writing this blog on Martin Luther King Jr. day. Seeing that it is raining, I decided to “work” today and get a start on my week. Though I am not a black man, I have had great respect for what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for in the area of civil rights.
In college, I wrote a term paper on his famous, “I had a dream” speech for my class on rhetoric. This was such a moving speech and timely for civil rights in America. I am deeply troubled that many in our country have moved away from his words.
Rooted in his desire for civil rights was his deep conviction that all people are created in the image of God. It is on this theological conviction that we are to judge people on the content of their character and not the color of their skin.
Since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, we have made great advances for racial equality. The highlight of this progress was the election of Barack Obama. Even for those who disagreed with his politics, many celebrated this achievement in our country.
Sadly, many in our country have rejected the Judeo-Christian view of people as created in the image of God. With this rejection, what is left is the prism of race. With this prism, we are seeing more division and segregation in our culture.
The divide is widening because those who are stoking a false narrative of “systemic racism” are using this for power and financial gain! They reject the truth that we have almost eradicated racism and that most decent Americans want unity within diversity.
The body of Christ should lead the way in combating racism and equality in the sight of God. I witnessed firsthand how the body of Christ can further the healing of division in our country. I went to a multi-racial pastors gathering in Atlanta through Promise Keepers. There, over 10,000 spiritual leaders came before God pleading for His mercy and grace for the healing of our past racial wounds. It was beautiful and it gave me hope that we can move beyond race and celebrate our unity in Christ! Jesus Christ can heal our wounds and further the dream of Dr. King!
Pastor Fred
