There has been so much talk of systemic racism, Black Lives Matter, Antifa and related topics in recent months. Some people are screaming very loudly, and very angrily, and are constantIy striving to keep these issues in front of our faces. So let me say the following. I believe that to some degree, racism and class division exist in many — perhaps most — parts of the world. However, insofar as the USA is concerned, being an idealist, I would like to believe that they occur to a lot less degree than that which is portrayed in the mainstream media, and by certain politicians. I would like to believe that the goodness and kindness in people’s hearts is stronger than any root of racism and prejudice. The truth is that the discussion of race and ethnicity is constantly used by governments, radicals, extremists and others to stir up trouble, to divide and weaken people, and to promote and advance some particular agenda. I strongly believe that as Bible-believing Christians, we need to learn to see beyond the flesh. We need to see people as God sees them, based on our knowledge of His Word. My Christian perspective is based on verses such as the following:
“And hath made of ONE BLOOD all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;” Acts 17:26, KJV
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; THE FLESH PROFITETH NOTHING: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63, KJV
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7, KJV
“Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children [son].” Isaiah 66:7-8, KJV
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14, KJV
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6, KJV
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21, KJV
“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” Luke 1:31, KJV
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7, KJV
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” Revelation 12:5, KJV
Sometimes, the solutions to life’s problems are very simple, but in our impatience, we tend to over- look them.
“It will be so easy for you, Grandpa. You will learn to use it in no time at all so we can video chat” they insisted. Bah, hambug! Why doesn’t that darn thing even work?!