Encouragement and Next Steps for Black Believers

Unless you have been sleeping under a rock, then you are fully aware of the issues that we have been facing in America. Specifically, if you have black or brown skin and live in America, chances are that you yourself have experienced some type of racism in your lifetime. Racism is not new, and it's probably not going away anytime soon.

Racism is in the hospitals where we are born, in the schools where we are taught, and on the jobs where we work. Racism is in the grocery stores, financial institutions, doctor offices, parks, and libraries. Racism is in the church buildings where we attend and it's even in our own communities within.

Simply put, racism - which is sin - is in the hearts of a lot of people, whether intended or unintended.

Hope

We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed.

We are perplexed, but not in despair.

We are persecuted, but not abandoned.

We are struck down, but not destroyed.

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

As a believer, we are taught to love our enemies and forgive much, which is written in the word of God. We are taught to turn the other cheek to those who harm us.

Let's Keep It Real

Even as a believer, it becomes difficult over time to keep turning our cheek and to keep forgiving those who wrong us. For me, it's easy to forgive people as long as I can position myself in a way to avoid being hurt or mistreated again. In America and when facing racism, this is impossible. Wherever there is a sinful heart of a man or woman, you can almost be sure to find racism. It is at every twist and every turn of our lives, whether we want to admit it or not.

As believers, we need to place our faith and trust completely in Jesus and not people. As believers, we need to continue to try and do the right thing, according to God's word, no matter what problems we face. Also as believers, we need to admit when there is a problem. We need to have the difficult conversations. We need to take a look at ourselves in the mirror and take accountability for our actions - intended and unintended. We need to address the issues and stop sweeping things, like racism and injustice against specific groups of people, under the rug. We need to call a spade a spade, and call sin... sin.

I had been looking around and waiting for someone to encourage me - to speak specifically to me and my heart. Someone who can encourage me - a believer who knows right from wrong, who usually tries to do the right thing in every situation, who recognizes that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers, evil authorities, and evil spirits. (Ephesians 6:12) I can usually look beyond what's right in front of me and see the bigger picture or the bigger problem. The bottom line is, I know what God's word tells me to do and I have the Holy Spirit who leads and guides me. Nonetheless, I am still only human, made of wicked and weak flesh. I'm hurt, angry, and tired of wrongful and unjust acts against black and brown people in America. I want to stand up, stand firm, and take action towards improving America's culture in this regard. Being a believer, turning the other cheek, and praying for those who cause us harm does NOT mean ignoring the problem. Period. There has to be more that God wants us, as believers, to do.

God Speaks to Me Through Dr. Tony Evans

As I continued to look around and wait, I came across a video from Dr. Tony Evans. Below is a synopsis of his words:

"We're experiencing a medical pandemic and a cultural pandemic simultaneously. The cultural pandemic is due to the spiritual pandemic. We need a reset, right now, while everyone is watching. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne. (Psalm 89:14). God wants both. All lives are currently not valued the same way, though they should be. We should protest evil in a righteous way. We should let our voices be heard and then we must act."

Next Steps

Dr. Tony Evans went on to suggest four levels of change, which he refers to as the "Kingdom Agenda", in order for this reset to occur:

1. Individual - YOU: Develop a heart that cares for our fellow men and women.

2. Family: Transfer righteous values to our children.

3. Church: The Church has failed to deal with this particular sin. The church should address inequities of all kinds and recognize the unfair systems.

4. Community Leaders: We need to challenge our community leaders to be change agents for the good of all people.

Final Thoughts

People all over America and the world are protesting. I applaud those who have peacefully participated. The bible tells us that it is okay to be angry but sin not. (Ephesians 4:26) Let us continue to protest evil in a righteous way so that our voices may be heard. Let us work together and take ACTION so that our protests are not in vain. Let us share the gospel to others so that souls may be saved and hearts may be changed.

What actions are you taking for the greater cause?

Prayer and Thanksgiving

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) Lord, your word says that you will cover us, and that we shall not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at our side, ten thousand at our right hand, but these evils will not touch us. The Lord rescues those who love Him and protects those who trusts in His name. (Psalm 91:5-7,14) Thank You, Lord, for your word and thank You for your promises. I pray for wisdom and protection for all who read these words. In Jesus name, Amen.