(The following is a look at some of my recent thoughts on racial reconciliation. I realize this issue is vast and far surpasses what I say below and I understand there is much more to be said and wrestled with in addition to this. I'm not claiming to know everything or to have all the answers. I just wanted to share a bit of what I've been thinking and feeling.)
So, a lot has been said over the past few weeks (and months) on race, justice, and the gospel. I know the last thing people want is one more post about it. However, the vast majority of posts seem to be written by men, so I thought I'd write from the perspective of a woman. Also, it gives me a chance to write out my thoughts as I wrestle with them.
Most of the posts (that I've read) have been extremely one sided in regards to racism and injustice. And, to be sure, they are definitely filled with issues that should be addressed. However, I feel that racial reconciliation can only be achieved if all sides and facets are addressed.
First, I want to begin with my own race. I know racism and injustice is still a very real issue when it comes to white people, and abhorrently, even white people in the church. I have been disgusted with what I've seen some white believers posting. I'm all for supporting your beliefs and opinions, but it should never be at the expense of other people. If you are a white believer, racism and prejudice have no place in the body of Christ. You hear that? Absolutely none. Scripture is very clear about the gospel being for people of ALL races, nations, and people groups (Matthew 28:18-20). There is no distinction when it comes to salvation (Galatians 3:28). It is for ALL who believe, whether white, black, yellow, or brown. So, if you foster any feelings of racism or hostility towards other races, you need to repent and seek Christ for forgiveness and healing. You cannot even remotely hope to fulfill your purpose and place in the body of Christ if you are prejudiced towards others. One day we will be rejoicing at the throne of the one true King with people of all tongues and nations (Revelation 7:9), and what a glorious and beautiful day that will be.
When it comes to white racism, misconceptions, and stereotypes, there are some very real problems that still exist and desperately need to be addressed. Everything that's happened lately has even caused me to self reflect. I've been made more aware of some of my own shortcomings and blind spots when it comes to race. It's caused me to seek Christ for truth and wisdom and even a change of attitude in some aspects. So, yes, I agree there is much to be said in regards to white people and racial reconciliation.
However, I've seen a large leaning towards this one side of racial reconciliation recently. There have been a few things that allude to other issues, but for the most part it's been about white privilege and how white people need to change how they think. And, while these may be real issues to address, it also can go the other way. I've seen a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes about white people being thrown left and right by the same people who call for justice and equality. I've even personally been accused of things simply because I'm a young white woman. In fact, sometimes the stereotypes I have are a direct result of what I've experienced. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not at all trying to compare my situation to the horrendous racism that the black community has had to deal with. I'm well aware my few experiences, while real, do not compare with the years and years of torment the black community has experienced at the hands of the white community. I'm just pointing out the fact that racism and stereotyping can be a two-way street. And while we are very right to address white racism and injustice, true racial reconciliation will not happen if misconceptions and stereotypes are not addressed on both sides.
I think it's amazing how many doors have been open recently to talk about the racism that still exists and the problematic thinking a large part of the white community still has. Please, keep letting us know our shortcomings and how we are wrong with some of our thinking. I want to be able to see things from another's perspective. I want to know about the misconceptions and stereotypes I still have so I can correct them. But, I think I should be able to openly share my concerns, as well.
I'm so encouraged there's been such a push to discuss racial reconciliation and the gospel. But, my sincerest hope is that both sides can come together, with honesty and civility, to discuss all struggles and thoughts. Above all, we must keep the gospel and the furthering of the kingdom the central focus in all of this. Only then can we hope to bring real and lasting healing and change.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Limitless Praying
Do you ever feel like you pick and choose your prayers depending on what you really want answered? Recently, I have caught myself doing this. I've been basing my prayers on those things I want the most. My mindset is that if I ask for too many things God will only answer some of them. Or, sometimes I will categorize prayers depending on importance or how big of a request it is. It's as if I think there is a limit to what God can and will do. I know in my head that's a ridiculous notion. However, the pattern of my prayer life reveals that I have a skewed view of God's character and ability.
I was struck by my wrong thinking this past week as I was praying on my way to work. I suddenly realized what I was doing and the gravity of what it revealed about my understanding of God. I am a huge proponent of God's powerful sovereignty and complete control over everything. Yet, here I am limiting his power by the way I am praying. And, I have a feeling I'm not the only one who has fallen into this trap.
Scripture is very clear on how we should pray and God's power in answering those prayers. Philippians 4:6 states that we should not be anxious, but let all of our requests be known to God. Christ also tells us in Matthew 6:25-33 to not to be anxious for anything and to trust that he will provide all of our needs. Again, in John 15:7 and I John 5:14-15 we are assured that all of our requests are heard and answered. And Matthew 21:21 states that if we have faith and do not doubt we can ask anything and it will happen. The list goes on and on of accounts in God's word that promise all of our prayers are heard and will be answered. There is no limit to what we can ask and what God can do.
Of course, we can also go too far the other way and view God as a genie granting our every wish. This is a just as wrong as limiting God's power. While scripture is very clear on us asking anything in prayer, we also see that there is a requirement on our end. In John 15:7, Christ says, 'If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.' Also, Matthew 6:33 states, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.' In both of these passages (and many others), there is a clear directive for us. We must abide in Christ and his word. We must seek the kingdom and righteousness.
I John 5:14 puts it another way: if we ask according to his will he hears us. A lot of times we see that as a catch. 'Oh sure, God answers prayers, but only those that are in line with his will. So, I'm not really getting what I want.' Actually, it's both. When we seek Christ fully and chase after righteousness, we can be confident that our requests and desires line up with his will. Think about it. It's extremely selfish and out of line for us to think God owes us anything when we are living outside of his will. 'Yes, God, I know I'm not really living for you, but I still think you should give me (fill in the blank).' That sounds absurd. In fact, even when we do seek Christ and surrender to his authority it's absurd to think we are owed anything. It's an absolutely gracious and overwhelming thought that he chooses to bless us and answer our requests at all. It have to remind myself of this everyday. Prayer is a privilege. Therefore, we must not be motivated to live for Christ simply so our prayers get answered. First and foremost, our focus in life (and prayer) should be to submit to the Son for the glory of the Father. If it's anything else, we ought to repent and refocus. When we do completely surrender to Christ, we can be confident that our prayers are heard and will be answered according to his will.
There has been such a bold awakening in my understanding of God's gracious character. My hope is that I will no longer limit him in my prayers. He is all powerful and completely sovereign. There is no request too big for him. There is no limit to what I can ask him. He has promised in his word that he hears all of them. May this overwhelming truth lead me to 'pray without ceasing' (I Thess. 5:17) in the confidence that every single word is acknowledged by the one who has the only power to answer.
I was struck by my wrong thinking this past week as I was praying on my way to work. I suddenly realized what I was doing and the gravity of what it revealed about my understanding of God. I am a huge proponent of God's powerful sovereignty and complete control over everything. Yet, here I am limiting his power by the way I am praying. And, I have a feeling I'm not the only one who has fallen into this trap.
Scripture is very clear on how we should pray and God's power in answering those prayers. Philippians 4:6 states that we should not be anxious, but let all of our requests be known to God. Christ also tells us in Matthew 6:25-33 to not to be anxious for anything and to trust that he will provide all of our needs. Again, in John 15:7 and I John 5:14-15 we are assured that all of our requests are heard and answered. And Matthew 21:21 states that if we have faith and do not doubt we can ask anything and it will happen. The list goes on and on of accounts in God's word that promise all of our prayers are heard and will be answered. There is no limit to what we can ask and what God can do.
Of course, we can also go too far the other way and view God as a genie granting our every wish. This is a just as wrong as limiting God's power. While scripture is very clear on us asking anything in prayer, we also see that there is a requirement on our end. In John 15:7, Christ says, 'If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.' Also, Matthew 6:33 states, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.' In both of these passages (and many others), there is a clear directive for us. We must abide in Christ and his word. We must seek the kingdom and righteousness.
I John 5:14 puts it another way: if we ask according to his will he hears us. A lot of times we see that as a catch. 'Oh sure, God answers prayers, but only those that are in line with his will. So, I'm not really getting what I want.' Actually, it's both. When we seek Christ fully and chase after righteousness, we can be confident that our requests and desires line up with his will. Think about it. It's extremely selfish and out of line for us to think God owes us anything when we are living outside of his will. 'Yes, God, I know I'm not really living for you, but I still think you should give me (fill in the blank).' That sounds absurd. In fact, even when we do seek Christ and surrender to his authority it's absurd to think we are owed anything. It's an absolutely gracious and overwhelming thought that he chooses to bless us and answer our requests at all. It have to remind myself of this everyday. Prayer is a privilege. Therefore, we must not be motivated to live for Christ simply so our prayers get answered. First and foremost, our focus in life (and prayer) should be to submit to the Son for the glory of the Father. If it's anything else, we ought to repent and refocus. When we do completely surrender to Christ, we can be confident that our prayers are heard and will be answered according to his will.
There has been such a bold awakening in my understanding of God's gracious character. My hope is that I will no longer limit him in my prayers. He is all powerful and completely sovereign. There is no request too big for him. There is no limit to what I can ask him. He has promised in his word that he hears all of them. May this overwhelming truth lead me to 'pray without ceasing' (I Thess. 5:17) in the confidence that every single word is acknowledged by the one who has the only power to answer.
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