Obstacles
1. Many millennialist believe that racism is a problem of a generation gone by.
but we are not post-racial. It’s more subtle, but it’s still central. Sneakier.
2. Belief that social media activity is enough.
If I put a few things up on social media – a few retweets and posts – I’ve done my thing. We must actually change how we worship, how we live.
3. Many don’t believe that God’s Word is sufficient.
As if preaching is irrelevant.
Solutions – Only the gospel produces the kind of unity we are after.
1. Preach the gospel of unity. The gospel of Christ is not just about the salvation of the individual but about reconciling them into one body.
Jesus died to bring diverse peoples together into one body. Racism’s root is sin and it has been defeated. We should proclaim the unity that Christ died to provide.
2. Fight for gospel love and understanding. Love one another. by this all men will know you are my disciples if you love one another. This is a holy affection an unselfish commitment to their good. We love as Christ loved us. This is how they know we are the disciples of Christ!
(No wonder the world has trouble recognizing the body of Christ)
“I don’t even see you as black.” But he is black. It is part of who he is. It is a burden that a black man carries in this society.
*He walks in a store and people assume he is a criminal.
*They assume his blackberry on his hip is a gun.
*Cuffed because he looks like another black man (who he looks NOTHING like).
*Professors in college not believing he actually wrote his paper because they did not believe a black man was intelligent enough to write that!
These are constant realities in lives of black men that white men know nothing about!
3. Don’t assume this is easy. It is a struggle and fight.
*Don’t treat people who are different too different.
*Don’t assume stereotypes. Ethnic groups are made up of individuals.
*Try not to flock to people who look like you.
*Intentionally look to understand and sympathize with others.
*Persevere through growing pains. Assume the best and keep trying. Give one another grace. Don’t look for offense.
*Ask yourself if you have unfair assumptions.
*Keep the conversation going.
*Meditate on scripture and seek from God a passion for Scripture.
We don’t just want blacks and whites in the same room. We want them in the same family.
