A response to the racial divide right now
“My Thoughts and Some Things to Consider”
The events of the last few days have caused a great deal of soul-searching over an issue that is much, much bigger than the last few days. You’ve heard me share some of the amazing news about our La Mesa Springs property being spared in the weekend riots. But that’s hardly the end of the story. At a much deeper level and with far more at stake are the elements of racism, civility and compassion that divide us so deeply as a nation and as people in general. Finger-pointing, blame, and rage is not our answer. We can either use this time as a chance to profoundly learn a new way and embrace a new path, or we can miss this opportunity altogether and allow the divide to go even deeper. I would like to think that the people of Legacy Church desire a better path and are willing to be proactive – both in our heart and in our actions.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
#1 – We need to see people as God sees people. It doesn’t get much clearer than this verse when it comes to how God views each person. There isn’t a “skin problem” for God. That’s OUR issue. What God sees is a sin problem. That problem is so clear, compelling, and universal, God decided to send Jesus to restore and repair it. Sin causes us to close our eyes. Jesus brings us to the place of opening our eyes. To see what He sees and to see our own hearts. What does He see in yours right now? “We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
#2 – We need to embrace our mission from God every day. The apostle Paul said our basic mission in life was to carry the message of God forth, not just in word, but in our actions. Messengers, ambassadors, and reconcilers of broken people and a broken world. What will this mean for you when you consider our current state of affairs? Maybe a starting point is to look deeply and embrace a heart of broader compassion, to listen and learn. The riots have been horrible. The protests sometimes have gone too far. Many have suffered. But there’s also a family in Minneapolis grieving the loss of a brother and a son who unjustly paid a price too great. Too many like George Floyd have had to pay that price. There are peaceful protesters who have a point to make which has been largely missed. And a nation which desperately needs the heart and feet of Jesus who really desires to make His appeal through us. Let’s be that people and let’s be that church. That’s the only Legacy fully worth pursuing.
Pastor Curt