Reflecting on a recent convo

07/17/2020

I have come to appreciate even more speaking sincerely with grace and truth because of the transformative gospel and truth of Jesus Christ that I no longer just believe but do and aim to do in every aspect of my life. This is particularly true when it comes to contending earnestly for the faith that was delivered to the saints and calling out falsehood. The goal is not to prove right and feel the gratification therein but rather that others be won by the truth, not at its expense. I must do so standing on the Word of God as absolute truth and authority (within the proper context as taught by the Holy Spirit) knowing that I too am subject.

With that said, my heart is deeply grieved by a discussion that took place recently. I might have overlooked such in the past, as at then, I would have been operating with the same mindset. However, it is obvious more so now, that there's a serious misunderstanding of the gospel and what it means to be Christian and the Church. Again, I write this as transparently as I can to point people back to the Word of God. I will remind that carnality/worldliness and Christian do NOT go together. As a child of God, I've learned to be particular about the conversations I have regarding social identities. Seeing that objectively speaking, they generate strife/promote prejudice, etc, whether in defense of or in opposition to whatever identities are involved. But unfortunately, such conversations blind people, especially among professing Christians, from the necessity and reality of the true gospel and blur out the real enemy. And that's where I must address things!

Categories/Colorism/POC...

[Racial] categories, for me, begin and end as physical descriptors: "She's black", "He is orange" and that's that. Due to the conversations, I have had in the past, and the ongoing conversations I hear, I dislike:

-the use of these in reducing a whole individual and their experiences to one classification.

-the generalizations that stem from these when addressing people/groups.

-the hypocrisy and prejudice attached (that I played into in the past).

-the focus placed on the human other as an enemy when sin and the devil are still rampant (these are the real enemies)!

-that it creates division and false unity within these categories instead of the unity within living for the will of God.

And before I continue, I want to clarify that my skin color does not validate the words I have to say or make me most qualified to speak on such a subject. I care less about that and most about GOD's universal/unchanging expectations of all people: to turn away from sin and self, to live righteously by His standards, and for His glory.

Does colorism exist in the church?

If this is the case, then it exists only in the 'church' institutions but not with the people of God. Jesus' people are not divided nor united on racial categories, preferences, or the world's ideologies, etc. They are united on their obedience to the Master's every word and are led by His Holy Spirit (who again dwells in those who obey God). The Body of Christ knows no color, no gender, no creed, no ethnicity. Their unity is not a forced front built on man's motivations. Perhaps some may feel that such social issues have a prevailing presence in their institutions and thus need to be addressed. Perhaps. But within the family of God, it is already settled. The Father knows those who are His and who abide by His doctrine, regardless of their color. The Father did not create diversity for that to take priority over Him and His Will. If He made from one blood all nations and is no respecter of persons or ethnicity but highly regards righteousness despite the individual's nationality, what makes His priorities less of a priority for us? Shouldn't we be rather overjoyed that the multitude of His holy people and family, who glorify the Father in the capacity of the diversity He has created, is of every tribe, nation, and tongue? While unfortunately, we operate within a world of so much brokenness, the children of God do NOT contribute to the same using the faulty philosophy and lingo the world uses. They neither appeal to that logos nor align with worldly voices as the authority in such conversations. The children of God do not use the world as their standard. Period. They know how to treat their brother and neighbor, not despite race, or even oblivion to it but by the way and words of Jesus Christ. I recognize my brothers and sisters not by nationality or culture or skin but by the fact that they do the will of God, and are living in Holiness before the King. Not playing "church" but being the Church. Do colorism and racism exist in the church? No! Not in the true church of Jesus Christ. Not in the sheepfold that hears, follows, and obeys Him.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2

[Racial] conditioning from a young age...?

Can/should conditioning continue in the conditioned after awareness of said conditioning? What happened to "you shall know the truth, and it shall set you free." I am not ignorant of the historical contexts tied into such a conversation which is why I must address this, particularly when Christianity is involved. I would share personal experiences and opinions but that matters less than the following. Children should be taught to rely on the word of God as authority for their whole lives. Appreciation for our individuality is founded on God. We all know this but how much is this truly believed, taught, kept, lived-out, etc? Self-love and appreciation cannot come from a worldly voice, perspective, or philosophy. "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" in God's word is sufficient in building me. Even best in giving me actual substantial confidence before my God, is if I am living a life pleasing to Him, worthy of Him. If I am living by the Spirit and not the flesh. What the world has to think about my skin color and shade, or my natural kinks is none of my business but theirs. Children are to be taught the ways of the Lord as the full-frame, lens, and ideal through which they see the world, not exchanging that lens for anything else that is seemingly "convenient" and subjective. The world's narrative should never take the place of God's word as truth or foundation. It is no problem to teach children to appreciate their God-given features but an emphasis on these, as the basis for promoting 'self-love,' can prove detrimental. Children are NOT their skin color. People are NOT their skin color. They are first and foremost eternal beings created in the image of God with the will to live for God or against Him, lawfully or lawlessly, and with an eternal outcome of one of two destinations.

Media Representation?

Children do not need representation from the influence of television/programs/media to let them know that it is okay to be their skin color. If those near them, are not exemplifying marriage, parenthood, love as God teaches, if those around them are not exemplifying Christ, forget the influence of some distant personality (and an ungodly one for that matter). Honestly, the distortion begins from home and with those surrounding them; whether these abide by God's Word or have in place references from man's doctrine and philosophy. It shouldn't be so for one who professes Christ. It would make sense that the latter be a prospect/reality for an individual outside of Christ but even so, they are still also governed by God's Word whether they realize it or not. The foundation has never really been the world (though it appears so because so many are easily influenced by it). It has always been the Word of God Himself: "Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock..."

And until the Word of God is taken as truth and not as suggestions, none of society's issues will be resolved. The child of God is not ignorant or insensitive to the hurts in this world but they must and can only point to the healer.

Colorism and preference when it comes to "dating as a Christian"...

I might have to tackle this in a subsequent post but for now, here goes. First and foremost, a Christian's goal is to walk in Holiness before the Lord--to be Holy in body and Spirit. Every disciple's priority is first walking righteously and pleasing the Lord before others. The world's voice again: the way it has taken to casual dating, esteemed brazenness, immodesty, objectification/fetishizing, etc has no place in a Christian's life. I've learned also that idolatry, lust, and loneliness are not valid reasons for desiring marriage. Godly singles live their lives in obedience to the Lord, serving Him faithfully. They come together when it is God's will for them, but not at the expense of their obedience to the Lord. The will of God is their motivation, and so whether single or married, God is the priority and contentment is key. Values and abiding in truth are of utmost importance than externals and God's order for the sexes is always honored. Lastly, living righteously and pleasing the Lord takes priority over marriage. I think I'll pause here...

Obedience to God's truth and word is necessary for addressing all sin, lawlessness, misunderstandings, and issues in society. It comes down to truly doing and not being hearers only. The issue for many professing Christians is that so much of the world's standards have infiltrated their ideas of Christianity instead of the Word defining what it means to be Christian, resulting in many "worldly Christians" which is a contradiction! True regeneration by the truth and actuality of the faith we hold, comes when we conform to NOT water down to suit our comforts. The people of God are sanctified by the truth for His word is truth. There is no other way than conformity to Him, not apart from Him. We must abide and focus on the Word, truly.

...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...