Race and Religion

Recent events in this year’s political primary season have forced each of us to examine ourselves for blatant or latent racism in our hearts and lives.  The fact that the precipitating event centered around religion and its appropriate or inappropriate expression is interesting.

John 3:16 is perhaps the best know verse of the New Testament.  God loves the world.  He does not love merely some of the world, i.e. some of us.  He loves the world, i.e. all of us.  Luke 10’s Parable of the Good Samaritan clearly challenges the Jewish people of the First Century to examine and repent of their racist views of Samaritans.  Paul’s comments in Galatians 3:26-29 remind every believer of the universality of God’s grace and the inclusive nature of God’s Kingdom.

Clearly racism, prejudice, and bigotry have no place in the heart of a Christian.  The truth of Romans 3:22b-23 exposes that such sinfulness still remains a plague on humanity on this side of the grave.  We are indeed saved only by God’s incredible grace manifested through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But recent events also cause me to wonder if the application of forgiveness and grace to others has disappeared.   Jesus taught us to pray, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Matthew 6 is another clear expression of Jesus’ desire for His followers to develop a heart of grace and forgiveness similar to His own.  The comments of Rev. Wright seem to be missing this element.  I have not heard years of his sermons to be able to be able to accurately determine the scope of his ministry.  But every preacher must guard carefully each word that he preaches.  A long history of racism in America demonstrates the sinfulness of her people.  Christians must lead the way to reconciliation and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Neither condemnation nor grudge bearing are the way of Christ.  Let us each pause and ask ourselves if we are promoting Christianity or demoting it in the eyes of our Lord.  Whose heart beats within our church and our individual lives?

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The Power of Honesty

I don’t know who is telling the truth between Roger Clemens and his accuser.  I don’t know if Barry Bonds willingly took anything to enhance his performance.  I don’t know what President Bush knew to be true about weapons of mass destruction before ordering the invasion of Iraq.  I do know truth and honesty have power.  I also believe few people believe in the power of truth anymore.

Richard Nixon was extremely popular prior to the Watergate crime and cover-up.  What if he had come on TV and confessed those who supported his reelection had become over zealous, broken the law, assumed personal responsibility as head of the campaign, and asked the nation for forgiveness?  We will never know.  I believe he still could have won the election and prevented a national crisis.

Ronald Reagan was even more popular than Richard Nixon.  He passionately believed in preventing communism from getting a foothold in Nicaragua.  He secretly diverted funds to support those fighting against the communist regime, defying a congressional order.  When confronted he failed to tell the truth.  With his persuasive speaking ability, what if he had admitted to the truth and his passion to fight communism.  What if he admitted it and asked the people not only to forgive him but to support his effort?  We will never know.  I believe he could have rallied the nation to his side.

Why are we so afraid to be honest?  Why don’t we believe people will forgive the truth better, faster, and easier than a lie?  President Clinton could have confessed to marital infidelity, asked the nation for forgiveness, and I believe prevented a crisis and impeachment proceedings.  He chose to lie to us first.  Why?

Jesus said the truth will set you free.  There is a  power in truth and honesty that our culture has lost faith in.  The truth, no matter how difficult to accept or deal with, is easier than discovering a lie and then being forced to deal not only with the truth but also deception, dishonesty, and a lack of integrity.

 God reminds us that if we confess our sins He will forgive.  He wants honesty and truth.  He abhors a lie.  A truthful confession receives His forgiveness and reconciliation.  It sets the confessed free.  If we returned to truth and honesty, then our lives would experience a greater sense of freedom and reconciliation.

  Why not give it a try?  What have you got to lose except all the effort you expend to conceal the truth and greater effort to reconcile once your lie and betrayal are discovered?