This particular sunrise is going to be pretty lengthy, however, it's needful. It does us no good to do a series on racism and politics without addressing our strategies of dealing with such topics. There are movements such as "Black Lives Matter" and "All Lives Matter", and both are heavily followed by the Body of Christ, but is this the mind of God?
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Cor 1:10)
The scripture infers that the whole Body of Christ should have the same mind as it relates to sin and righteousness. We should not have opinions. The word of God must then be the authority of all of our thoughts and perspectives. Therefore, as the principles of rightly dividing the Word teaches, there must be no scripture that contradicts our beliefs. This is the only way the church will be unified.
First, of all we must confess that racism is very prevalent today. How do I know this? (because some choose not to accept this reality). For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: (2 Thes 2:7). Even as the mystery of godliness is Christ in us the hope of glory, the mystery of iniquity speaks to the fact that satan is in those without the Spirit of God, for the purpose of sin and death. Just as Christ gives gifts to those with His Spirit according to the will of God, so does satan work his lusts through men according to his preference. Racism, is simply one of those preferences.
*Racism, is an operation of the devil*
The issue of racism, has caused violence, slavery, disputes, segregation, and wars. However, let us consider the perspective of these movements.
Black Lives Matter - A movement filled with people from every race, that seeks to end violence and racism against those of the black race. It is geared towards the state, and seeks to intervene in these issues of racism and inequality. The phrase Black Lives Matter is to highlight that black people's lives are relatively undervalued in the United States of America.
All Lives Matter - A movement, also filled with people from every race, which began as a backlash to the "Black Lives Matter" movement. It seeks to connote the fact that Black Lives do matter but all other lives matter as well.
Yes, these are both real issues being faced in society. However, the Church cannot approach these carnally. We must look at the truth of the Word of God. It says the mystery of iniquity is working. A mystery refers to something hidden that needs to be revealed. The mystery in this case is the fact that these issues of racism and segregation are from the devil himself, as opposed to a race or government.
Oh, open your eyes oh Church, and see how the devil has deceived us.
Examine: What methods are these movements using to impact change? Do these methods have anything to do with God and His eternal purpose?
Purpose of God: And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Eph 3:9-10)
The truth is, these movements do not fall within the purpose of God. They do not have an intent to show Christ to the nations or to principalities above. They seek to deal naturally with a spiritual issue. However, we are not carnal, we can see the devil and his intent. We know better than to blame a system, race, or government for the issue of sin. This is why the scripture says to the church, No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (2 Tim 2:4). These movements (as well as political issues) fall inside of the affairs of this life.
The truth is, Jesus is the answer for every issue. If you deal with the spirit of the devil then people will change. Get Jesus in the mixture and racism in a person will flee. The Church, should neither bash nor have any confidence in the state. Our confidence is in God who worketh all things by His mighty will.
These movements fight for a temporary peace here on earth, however, even if this peace is achieved will be ended by the wrath of God to come. Should we just settle for a temporary peace on earth, or should the church be trying to spare men from the wrath which will be poured out on all men after the rapture?
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4).
Note that the peace that Paul speaks of here is only found in godliness and honesty. There is no peace in this world outside of Jesus. The peace that is prayed for above, is only acheived when men are godly. Therefore our prayers should be that God allows the smooth movement of the gospel to all men. We should pray for doors of utterance, that God may have the opportunity to save all, through the preaching of the gospel. However, are these movements preaching the gospel, or are they fighting for their own?
Note here that Paul states that our peaceful life must be honest as well. This means we must not present a Christ that seems to be blind to sin or accepting of sin. Sometimes in our attempts to pass our own policies we act as if we do not see the evil in the individuals who seem to be on our side. We do not have to withhold the truth, to fight for God. We cannot be afraid to identify the issues of sin in the world, and in people - even if they are in people of power or people we love. Sin is sin, and if we do not identify sin, how will we save men from it?
Be wise oh Church, Be separate oh Church! Do what you are called to do. It is ok to note the issues in the world, however, take them all to God in prayer. Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ! Save men from the wrath to come. Do not wrestle against flesh and blood! But deal with the principality behind the issues; and this can only be done through intercessory prayer.
I love you all.
Activity: In the comments section under this post on the website ( www.sunrisewithjesus.com/blog/lives-matter ), post your views on these movements.