The problem of racial tensions and/or divisions is not insurmountable. Through consistent prayer together with proper understanding and applications of God’s words, the Bible, we can achieve improved and lasting unity. The Holy Scriptures reveal in Genesis 1:27-28 that “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them”. He created them to be “fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it”. The growing human populations with the associated cultural and racial diversities are in response to God’s plans for the earth and His image bearers. Humanity was not created to be static but to grow and oversee a dynamic earth. There are bound to be racial differences considering the dynamic and extensive nature of God’s earthly creatures including the emergence of nations (Genesis 1:1-31, 10:31-32). The diversities are not meant to divide or hurt our earthly existence but are for our common good and purpose in line with Genesis 1:27-28.
We can be different in terms of race and/or cultural identities but we are unified as people created in God’s image. We must function with this mind to stay united for our common good and purpose in line with Genesis 1:27-28 in spite of our differences and the dynamic nature of our world. Knowing who we are as God’s image bearers and responding to one another in love and humility will lead to improved harmony among us. Paul teaches of this mindset, as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ, in Philippians 2:5-11 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledges that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” In Christ’s mindset we see: submission to the Father’s will to die for the salvation of sinful men and women (Matthew 1:21, John 3:16-18, and Colossians 1:14); humility or self-abasement in serving the interests of others even at the expense of His life as well as His selflessness for the well being of all.
Imitating the mind of Christ is essential to developing and sustaining better relationships in a multicultural and multiracial society. Paul’s invocation of the exemplary nature of Christ’s submission, humility, selfless service, self abasement and self offering on the cross for the sins of all (1 John 2:2) provides the models of behavior and attitude for unity and helpful relationships. We must “be like-minded, have the same love, be one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above ourselves, not looking to our own interests but each of us to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:1-4). Imitating the mindset of Christ will help us to overcome racial tensions and divisions. It will foster helpful and thriving relationships. It will lead to great progress just as our Lord Jesus Christ was exalted by the Father to the highest place and given the name that is above every name.
In addition, we must pray for one another just as Christ did for us. He prayed for our perfect unity with one another and with the Holy Trinity. He prayed protection and preservation. He prayed for our joy, and common good. He prayed for us for eternal life and glorification with Him. He also prayed for our knowledge and love of the Father as well as for our sanctification by His truth (John 17:1-26).
Paul’s letter in 1 Timothy 2:1-16 contains how we should pray for one another : “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people”. We should also pray against the things that cause and/or encourage divisions (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). Prayer for forgiveness, healing, true love, respect and compassion for one another (Romans 12:9-21) is equally necessary. Our policemen and women who work to protect us also deserve our unalloyed trust and respect as well as our continuing prayer for them for protection and for God’s wisdom and discernment in the discharge of their duties for safer, united and friendlier communities (Romans 13:1-10). With the mindset of Christ, proper and continuing prayer, as well as with correct and practical applications of the truth of God’s word we can achieve better race relations for purposeful, peaceful and prosperous living in line with Genesis 1:26-28 and Philippians 2: 1-11.
Pastor Martins.
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