Racism–An Insidious Form of Haughtiness February 1, 2011

Racism is an abysmal failure to regard people as God regards people. God regards the spiritual being over the fleshly being. Note the scriptural record:

…[Y]ou are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ Jesus have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28

In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation, whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. …He is Lord of all. Acts 10:34-36

God regards each individual in terms of only one differentiating quality—whether we are faithful and obedient to His will or not. On that final day of reckoning, there will be only two groups representing humanity. Countless unfaithful goats will be placed on His left, and a few faithful lambs, on His right (Matthew 25:31-46). So why do we persist in disregarding people based on fleshly, material reasons?

A number of people who claim to be devout Christians have a nasty habit of thinking others are beneath them, based on skin color yet. They espouse ‘family values,’ yet they teach their impressionable young children poisonous prejudices. Recall the scripture about raising children in the nurture and admonition of God (Ephesians 6:4)? They claim to believe in biblical principles regarding business practices (Proverbs 11:1); yet they discriminate against qualified candidates from different racial backgrounds when it’s time to hire and promote in the workplace. These ‘conservatives’ typically hold a great deal of power and prestige economically, socially, and politically. Much has been given to them. Much is required of them — how often do they steward their blessings responsibly (Luke 12:47-48)?

We are taught in scripture that haughtiness leads to destruction:

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

It is wise, then, to put away distinctions based on skin color, and for that matter, any fleshly basis. We are told that a prideful mindset leads to spiritual destruction. Why continue this futile game of Russian Roulette with our souls?

I can say in all honesty that I know goats from every racial group, including my own. They each have in common a major disregard for one or more of God’s principles for living. I also know truly faithful, warm, wonderful individuals from every racial group. These lambs make this life in the flesh bearable. The common thread among them? …their adherence to God’s will.

Let’s face it — regarding and subsequently mistreating individuals as ‘black’ this, ‘white’ that, or ‘Latino’ this is unwise. Sound, agape-driven principles clear up our thinking and allow us to see one another as precious souls that need spiritual reconciliation to the one true, Living God.

…I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3

We do ourselves a great service when we ‘get over ourselves.’