9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God – Matthew 5:9
Today is the day we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Perhaps there has been no more important time than now to reflect on his life’s mission than the period we find ourselves in. It seems that we were in a sort of delusion in thinking race relations were progressing in our country. If the last few years have done nothing else, they have exposed this false narrative and assured us to continue the work done by King and others. The question for us at this crossroads of race and politics, is how are we to respond to a world where racism is often under the surface and sometimes hard to pinpoint?
Times like these have historically divided the Church. Many choose Christ, while others justify their bias and politics. We must remember our own history in times like these. The Church has always led great protest movements, bandaging the wounded and battling the rulers of this world with Truth and love. We can look at any period of struggle, from Moses to now, and see the God of the Bible on the side of the oppressed and afflicted. Yet in the time of MLK, we see a large segment of the Church in America not only indifferent to race issues, but actively using their faith as a justification for hate. History is read backwards but must be lived forward with humble conviction. As a God of freedom, our Creator breaks chains, walls, and policy in the name of liberation.
As a Christ follower, we must have the courage to lead the charge. Just as in the civil rights movement, we must not be afraid of talking about race or fighting against injustice, regardless if it costs us tithe or members. We must lay waste to our political hesitations and speak boldly of the creation of man and woman in the image of a God who judges hearts not skin pigment. While starting the conversation in the Church, we can further this dialogue into the spheres of power that attempt to deny such personhood.
An imbalanced prison system should bother us.
Lack of education for minorities should frighten us.
Police brutality should anger us.
And dangerous rhetoric from hateful politicians should lead us to righteous political engagement.
All too often, our faith dulls our longing for social reconciliation instead of furthering it to a more Christ-like desire. Today, racism is more insidious than ever and has seemed to come out of the cold earth it was hiding from, being exposed in the most official of offices. The heart of Christ is for reconciliation between all people. His economy is based on redemption as its currency. His disciples are to be redemptive agents in a fractured world.
Today, reflect on MLK and pray for peace and radical reconciliation, for heaven is the only true colorblind society.
*Originally posted on January 15, 2018 with some changes on January 17, 2021
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