We have all suffered some level of mistreatment. If we have a pulse and heartbeat, someone has treated us unfairly. Man hurts man. Brother against brother. Whites against whites. Blacks against blacks. Whites against blacks. Blacks against whites. This history goes all the way back to Cain against Able once they were evicted from the Garden of Eden. It’s easy to fall into the trap of defining our self-worth by how others treat us.
If we choose to believe in the redemptive work of Jesus and what He accomplished through the resurrection, we actually have hope. Today, Romans chapter 8 carries special meaning, for myself, and for the Black Lives Matter movement. “If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all things, we are more than conquerors, through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV Life Application)
Sarah Young puts it this way in Jesus Always, writing from the perspective of God talking personally to you. “If you really understood and fully believe that I am for you, then fear will diminish and you can face adversity more calmly. Knowing that I will never turn against you gives you more confidence to persevere in tough times. It is only MY opinion of you that matters.”
Let’s all just breathe in that delightful truth and breathe out the lies of the enemy.
As for myself, I struggle with voices of negativity and hate or jealousy – whether they come from within me or from others – and am slowly learning to diffuse them with God’s Truth. I belong to God. All my talents, gifts, dreams and passions, I surrender to Him so that He may transform my mess more into His likeness. Only His opinion matters. Only God Matters. OGM. All my mistakes, flaws, weaknesses? Yeah, God knows. I’m still His, forgiven and redeemed.
The same Truth applies to the Black Lives Matter movement. God created such a rich, beautiful diversity in the color of our skins. Whether African American, Native American, Jewish or Muslim, or Asian, God loves his creation and expects all of us to love and value and respect one another as well.
Yes, so much work needs to be done to eliminate systemic racism. It won’t happen overnight. It won’t happen under our current Administration. Injustices and mistreatment will continue, but what we do have control over in the here and now, in the present, is our response. We must not allow hatefulness and evil define who we are as human beings or who we are as a nation. We must not allow government or media or the growing white supremacy movement to define who we are. Some will be called by God into action to make positive changes for a time such as this. Those who succeed will find rest, peace, and identity in the One who calls each individual unique (Psalm 139:13), special (Ephesians 2:10), lovely (Daniel 12:3), precious (1 Corinthians 6:20), strong (Psalm 18:35) and chosen (John 15:16).
That’s what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was able to do. His faith empowered him to change the world and leave a legacy. King knew where his identity rested. All positive change makers relied on their faith in God. Consider the story behind the hymn “Amazing Grace,” written by former slave owner John Newton whose life was completely transformed after surrendering it to Christ. He went from a horrible slave owner to recognizing the error of his ways, seeking forgiveness and becoming a prominent abolitionist. There is no more appropriate song to sing over peaceful protesters for Black Lives Matter than Amazing Grace.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home
And Grace will lead us home
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind, but now I see