Biblical Perspective on "Black Lives Matter"

The social, political and economic environment we're living in here in the United States is testing the strength and fortitude of Biblical truth and morality to the point where far too many self-proclaimed Christians are universally confused regarding what's right and what's wrong. I have wrestled mightily over the past 5+ months living in a country consumed with COVID statistics, freedom of choice rights, and political protests (both peaceful and violent) to understand why the church is so confused regarding relative truth and how we, as Christians, should respond. We are encouraged to filter every message we read and hear through the pages of Scripture to discern its validity as wisdom or foolishness, so why do we lean on our own understanding more often than not? Scripture teaches, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). However, I am continually amazed how dismissive our nation has become of Biblical foundations concerning ethics, morality and integrity, and how easily Christians are swayed by political correctness and fear of judging others. Keep in mind, the Bible does not condemn judging the actions of others, but rather to hold ourselves accountable, first and foremost, to the same standard of righteousness by which we judge. Jesus taught, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye" (Matthew 7:1–5). Notice Jesus did not condemn judging others to the extent of speaking truth in love and actively helping one another avoid sinful decisions. Rather, He commanded us to first remove the log from our own eye in order to clearly take the speck out of our brother's eye. However, the enemy has twisted our minds to resist making judgment calls and question the supreme authority of God's Word, just as he did in the garden of Eden. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?"" (Genesis 3:1).

What is most concerning is how easily influenced Christians have succumbed via cultural pressure to embrace and champion "Black Lives Matter," but what does that necessarily mean? Keep in mind, there is a distinct difference between believing the slogan, "Black Lives Matter," and endorsing the organization, Black Lives Matter. However, our culture has rather easily convinced the majority of society through predominately liberal, social media platforms they are intertwined and one in the same. Therefore, let us be unequivocally clear from a Biblical perspective: THEY ARE NOT! For to lump them together assumes an endorsement of extreme ideologies and outright demands which boldly reject Biblical doctrine and Jesus Himself, the cornerstone of our faith. However, many Christians fail to realize this simple fact. "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). At the crux of the confusion is the inability to truly know what the BLM organization seeks to change both domestically and abroad. Their website is specifically vague regarding their entire smorgasbord of beliefs/demands, strategically inclusive of specific demographics while indirectly exclusive of others, and provides no accessible links to the policy reformations they demand. One must extensively research their respective history [CLICK HERE] to know their official policy agendas are housed separately on the Movement For Black Lives website. It begs the question why the BLM organization would not provide links on their website to such critical information which specifically outlines their agenda. If they have nothing to hide, why not provide full disclosure, including complete financial accountability, for all people to educate themselves accordingly and determine whether they desire to partner with the BLM organization further? Jesus said, "For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God" (John 3:20–21). Therefore, let us consider what information is publicly available and accessible on their respective websites and filter that information through the pages of Scripture to determine from a Biblical perspective whether God's Word endorses their political agenda. For further review, visit the Movement for Black Lives website [CLICK HERE] for complete details on their extensive policy platform demands which include...

Keep in mind, the BLM organization is transparent and laser-focused on specific, belief pillars [CLICK HERE] which should definitely capture the attention and concern of Christ-followers because they specifically contradict Biblical doctrine. For example:

BLM: "We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “villages” that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable."

BLM: "We foster a queer‐affirming network. When we gather, we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking, or rather, the belief that all in the world are heterosexual (unless s/he or they disclose otherwise)."

The traditional, nuclear family structure is one where both parents (father and mother) are present in the home. This is significant considering 2 of the 3 founders of Black Lives Matter, Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors, identify as “queer” black women. Notice their belief of "fostering a queer-affirming network" immediately follows their mission to disrupt the nuclear family. This is NOT a coincidence but intentional to justify same-sex attraction and homosexuality, which in the context of gay-marriage disrupts the nuclear family structure. What then does God's Word have to say? Jesus specifically quoted Genesis 2:24 to those who questioned the validity of Scripture concerning God's design of heterosexual marriage. Therefore, why would we not heed His warning today? "He (Jesus) answered, 'Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"?'" (Matthew 19:4–5). Scripture also condemns same-sex attraction/relations in Romans 1:18-32 and further articulates God's position on homosexuality as sin. "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality" (1 Corinthians 6:9). Moreover, what is interesting to note considering BLM's "care for one another, especially our children" is their silence regarding abortion and black youth on black youth gang violence which Dr. Eric Wallace, President and Co-founder of Freedom's Journal Institute, vocalized in his article, Exposing Black Lives Matter. Keep in mind, Dr. Wallace, a highly respected leader in the black community, published this article over 4-years ago during the Obama administration, yet the BLM organization has not revised or shifted their stance since, only grown exponentially in popularity most recently.

"The troubling emphasis of the BLM movement on homosexuality and gender confusion must be exposed... By affirming what God condemns, BLM stands in opposition to the transformative power of Jesus.

While BLM claims to seek justice for oppressed and victimized persons around the world, they fail to address the genocide of black babies through abortion or the deaths of young African American males from gang violence in their list of social injustices. Apparently, what matters most to BLM is ideology.

One of the dangers of BLM is that it pulls on the heartstrings of those who really care about life—both blacks and whites. Ironically, those who claim concern for black lives ignore the abortion of black babies and the killing of black boys by other black boys in gang violence. While focusing almost exclusively on race as the source of injustice and harm, BLM engage in the politics of racial grievance.

The politics of racial grievance trigger an emotional response that ultimately shuts down logical inquiry or debate, rendering people vulnerable to emotional manipulation. It is designed to exploit whites and blacks alike. In whites, it creates guilt for segregation, Jim Crow laws, and slavery even though systemic racism was defeated decades ago. The politics of racial grievance is intended to make whites feel guilty so that they’ll make concessions to black leadership, funding the programs and activities sanctioned by black leaders.

The politics of racial grievance works on black people too. It galvanizes black solidarity behind a cause, including causes unworthy of black allegiance. The idea is that if anyone should be “down with the cause,” black people should, and if you’re not, you’re a sell-out, an Uncle Tom. Black people are expected to support black causes, period. No questions asked.

This is not a new phenomenon. Booker T. Washington identified people in his day that used the politics of racial grievance to manipulate blacks: 

'There is another class of coloured people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs — partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs.'

The dubious goal of the politics of racial grievance exploited by BLM and others is to finance their causes. Thus, in order to advance their agendas, they have to come up with a negative narrative regardless of its veracity. The story must pull on the heartstrings of blacks to ensure solidarity and of whites to keep them feeling guilty and compliant. Hence, the false narrative that “Blacks are being gunned down by white cops” excites those who have been conditioned to accept the claim regardless of its factual accuracy."

In summary...

"According to BLM, “black liberation” can be achieved only by reversing the roles of master and slave. The tragic truth is that the policies sought by BLM only serve to keep the black community enslaved. The freedom BLM proposes is not freedom at all. It is slavery under a different master. It calls on black Christians who are already free in Christ to abandon their freedom for black solidarity, which for the Christian is a form of idolatry. The politics of BLM is the politics of racial grievance, a tool used to manipulate both blacks and whites alike." 

There is no denying the Bible condemns abortion (Exodus 20:13; Proverbs 6:16-19), homosexuality, gender-confusion, and gay-marriage, yet how many Christians are aware of additional policy reforms the BLM organization demands which discreetly outline their support for abortion clinics (i.e. full reproductive services) and sex change/reassignment treatments/surgeries for transgenders under the umbrella of universal health care requirements?

M4BL/BLM: "We demand... Real, meaningful, and equitable universal health care that guarantees: proximity to nearby comprehensive health centers, culturally competent services for all people, specific services for queer, gender nonconforming, and trans people, full bodily autonomy, full reproductive services, mental health services, paid parental leave, and comprehensive quality child and elder care." [CLICK HERE]

Moreover, would Christians be alarmed to learn the BLM organization demands the decriminalization of "illegal" drugs and prostitution (i.e. making them 100% legal), immediate release of prisoners convicted of drug-related offenses and prostitution, and compensation/reparations for those previously incarcerated for illegal drug and prostitution convictions?

M4BL/BLM: "We demand... The retroactive decriminalization, immediate release and record expungement of all drug related offenses and prostitution, and reparations for the devastating impact of the “war on drugs” and criminalization of prostitution, including a reinvestment of the resulting savings and revenue into restorative services, mental health services, job programs and other programs supporting those impacted by the sex and drug trade." [CLICK HERE]

While it may shock some Christians the BLM organization would passionately pursue the legalization of prostitution, examine the argument presented by the liberal, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) entitled, "Sex Work Is Real Work And It's Time To Treat It That Way." Moreover, this initiative is being further pursued at the federal level via a bill [H.R.5448 - SAFE SEX Workers Study Act] recently introduced December 17, 2019 and sponsored by Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]. How can this be? Does the legalization of sex work not further exacerbate the atrocities of rape, abortion, human trafficking, pedophilia, etc., plaguing our country? The ACLU's argument is this: Promoting the decriminalization of prostitution would reduce violence against women and LGBTQ, protect personal health, advance LGBTQ equality for "sex work" as a legal profession, and reduce incarcerations. How then should Christians respond? Scripture exhorts, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:18–20). Therefore, we must examine what God's Word warns regarding the judgment which awaits those who reject His standard of absolute truth and righteousness to appease their fleshly desires.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error" (Romans 1:18–27).

In the end, it is critical each and every Christ-follower examines and researches in detail the numerous policy platforms the BLM organization demands. However, knowing what "Black Lives Matter" stands for is meaningless if the Word of God is not positioned as the spiritual thermometer of absolute truth in our hearts and minds without reservation. Therefore, our hearts should mirror King David's who, though he committed grievous sins against the Lord, never doubted the absolute truth of God's Word nor questioned His supreme authority. "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:7–11). For devoid of Scripture, we have no moral compass to guide our path and help us discern the onslaught of cultural/political pressure facing every U.S. citizen to either endorse "Black Lives Matter" ideologies or face persecution and be socially ostracized. However, as mentioned previously, there is a distinct difference between believing the slogan, "Black Lives Matter," and endorsing the organization, Black Lives Matter. Therefore, we must choose wisely who we align our beliefs and personal doctrine with. For our culture has already transformed "Black Lives Matter" into an idol which carries far-reaching ramifications few Christians are aware of nor able to intelligently articulate because of their lack of knowledge and understanding. Therefore, it is imperative Christ-followers of all races wake up and realize their endorsement of the slogan, "Black Lives Matter," is publicly perceived throughout American culture as a BLANKET ENDORSEMENT of numerous ideologies which boldly and unashamedly contradict God's Word. Liberal media would have us believe conservative ideologies are to blame for suppressing freedoms of choice, expression and prosperity to the citizens of our country. However, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:1,13–15). In conclusion, may we carefully consider the exhortation Dr. Wallace provides to illuminate our minds and challenge us to carefully consider which truth we endorse (absolute or relative), and more importantly, to whom (God or idol) we ultimately serve.

"BLM has created a false image. The BLM movement is interested in promoting a 'progressive' social and political agenda—not in truly protecting black lives. They affirm homosexual activity and relationships, illegal immigration, and black liberation. Stories of the indisputably tragic deaths of black people at the hands of white cops are continually propagated while the tragic and senseless loss of preborn black babies’ lives and the lives of blacks gunned down in gang violence receive relatively little public attention.

Unfortunately, instead of uniting voices in an urgent call for righteousness and right relations between people, in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore, Maryland, BLM encouraged civil disobedience that became violent. How does that square with what Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-44:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

The church has lost its way. We are suffering the consequences of having far too many church attendees and not enough disciples. After his resurrection, Jesus spoke these words:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age' (Matt. 28: 18-20).”

It’s high time we focus on what Jesus commands. Indeed, He died and rose again because black lives do matter. However, He calls those black lives and all who would follow Him to a greater righteousness that is only found through life lived in Him. The church has the authority to change our communities for Christ, but it must be done for His glory and not our own agenda. It must be done in a way that glorifies God and does not promote racial division. May God help us to faithfully follow after Him, forsaking all else."

YOUR WILL BE DONE (Personal Reflection)

Your will be done, my God and Father

As in heaven, so on earth

My heart is drawn to self-exalting

Help me seek Your kingdom first

As Jesus walked, so I shall walk

Held by Your same unchanging love

Be still my soul, O lift your voice and pray:

‘Father, not my will but Yours be done.’

How in that Garden he persisted

I may never fully know

The fearful weight of true obedience

It was held by him alone

What wondrous faith, to bear that cross!

To bear my sin, what wondrous love!

My hope was sure, when there my Savior prayed:

‘Father, not my will but Yours be done.’

When I am lost, when I am broken

In the night of fear and doubt

Still I will trust in my good Father

Yes, to one great King I bow!

As Jesus rose, so I shall rise

In ransomed glory at the throne

My heart restored

With all your saints I sing:

‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’

As we go forth, our God and Father

Lead us daily in the fight

That all the world might see Your glory

And Your Name be lifted high

And in this Name we overcome

For You shall see us safely home

Now as your church, we lift our voice and pray: 

‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’

[CLICK HERE if video does not load]

It is difficult to find new music that is theologically sound rather than emotionally driven. Christian music has unfortunately evolved into a shell of its former self when hymns permeated the worship landscape and lyrics spoke unfiltered truth regarding man's depravity, amazing grace, and God's holiness. Today, the limelight is almost exclusively shone on the love of God with little mention of anything else. However, there are some Christian artists writing beautiful music today which will undoubtedly withstand the test of time, and I believe "Your Will Be Done," by CityAlight, merits consideration as a timeless treasure. Its core theme stems from the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus wrestled with the enormity of God's plan of salvation for mankind, when Isaiah's prophesy (Isaiah 53) would be fulfilled through His death, burial and resurrection.

"Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, 'Sit here, while I go over there and pray.' And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.' And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, 'So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.' Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, 'My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.' And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, 'Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand'" (Matthew 26:36–46).

"Your will be done, my God and Father as in heaven, so on earth. My heart is drawn to self-exalting, help me seek Your kingdom first. As Jesus walked, so I shall walk held by Your same unchanging love. Be still my soul, O lift your voice and pray: ‘Father, not my will but Yours be done.’" Arguably, one of the most difficult spiritual disciplines to master is surrendering our personal will each day for the Father's. That may seem more ethereal than substantiated, but nothing could be further from the truth. Surrendering our lives to God is not a yoke of slavery we dread but an opportunity to praise Him in gratitude for providing salvation through Jesus, His Son. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28–30). It begs the question, "Have we ever stopped for a moment and simply wrote out what labors and burdens us?" Often times, we read a verse like Matthew 11:28-30 and never stop to consider the gravity of what Jesus encourages us to let go of. Instead, we hold onto fear, doubt, worry and anxiety because we place ourselves in God's position of authority and judgment, and lean upon our limited and bias understanding rather than relinquish control to the sovereign Lord who is omniscient (all-knowing). The beauty of placing trust in God is knowing He is constantly present, consistent according to His Word, and unwavering in His love for us. "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed" (Malachi 3:6). Therefore, knowing this absolute truth, we are empowered to not only place our trust in Him, but relinquish control of our lives to His sovereign will rather than exalt ourselves above Him. Trust is not a gift we should ever take for granted, for broken trust in human relationships is a deep wound which takes immeasurable time and forgiveness to heal. However, Scripture paints a different picture of trust as it relates to God which we are called to emulate as followers of Jesus Christ. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5–6).

"How in that Garden he persisted, I may never fully know. The fearful weight of true obedience, it was held by him alone. What wondrous faith, to bear that cross! To bear my sin, what wondrous love! My hope was sure, when there my Savior prayed: ‘Father, not my will but Yours be done.’" What is most compelling about the sacrifice Jesus made is that He knew full well the torture and execution He had to endure to atone for the sins of mankind, and willingly accepted His fate though He was completely innocent. "For our sake he (God) made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Undoubtedly, Jesus was tempted to abandon His purpose and forego the agony which awaited Him in Jerusalem and ultimately, the cross of Calvary. "And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44). Yet despite the opportunity to appease His flesh, He chose to submit Himself to the Father's will. As we take a step back and consider how we would respond in a similar situation, we must avoid deceiving ourselves by assuming we would have chosen similarly. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13), and we have examples of that through our military personnel, law enforcement, fire fighters, first responders, etc., who risk their lives to protect our freedoms. That is an incredible weight of responsibility few of us comprehend because we've never had to literally put our lives on the line to protect others. Simply stated, we reap the immeasurable benefits of others' sacrifices without ever risking any detriment to ourselves, yet feel justified to judge the manner in which our freedoms are provided and maintained. Perhaps if we walked a mile in someone else's shoes, we might look at life differently and appreciate others rather than criticize, complain and critique. However, that is the nature of our culture for the past 2,000+ years—to reap the benefit of another's sacrifice for personal gain, which makes Jesus' sacrifice impossible to fully grasp because He willingly accepted His fate on behalf of mankind for all eternity. "Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him (Jesus); he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand" (Isaiah 53:10). "For our sake he (God) made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

"When I am lost, when I am broken in the night of fear and doubt, still I will trust in my good Father. Yes, to one great King I bow! As Jesus rose, so I shall rise in ransomed glory at the throne. My heart restored with all your saints I sing: ‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’" As we consider our present day here in the United States, it is evident our nation is crippled by fear, apprehension, anxiety and doubt concerning Covid-19, racial protests, law enforcement protocol and support (or lack thereof), looting and rioting, LGTBQ rights, abortion laws, presidential/general elections, supreme court rulings, economic stimulus packages, media bias, etc. Everywhere we turn, we find division and people at war with each other while media bias fuels the debate on all political sides. In times like these it is difficult to know who or what to believe, which is why it is wise to unplug from social media outlets and bathe our minds in the cleansing water of God's holy and trustworthy Word. "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether" (Psalm 19:7–9). We simply cannot minimize the fact that in the midst of chaos and confusion, the Lord provides clarity in His Word to those who seek Godly wisdom. The question is whether we'll not only read the Bible, but universally endorse every word it says without hesitation. Inevitably it is a matter of faith manifested by how much we trust God's sovereignty. However, if we're honest with ourselves, it's more an issue of belief in the validity of the Bible as God's inspired, absolute truth for all time. The rub lies in the 0.1% or exception to the rule which many fail to realize undermines the foundational doctrine of their faith theology. It plays out in many ways, for example, such as condemning "most" abortions but allowing them in the case of rape, incest and medical emergencies; or believing in the sanctity of marriage between 1 man and 1 woman but endorsing same-sex marriage so as not to "judge" someone else; or affirming Christ died for the salvation of mankind but endorsing religious pluralism which teaches there are "many paths" that lead to the same God. In each of these examples, the authority of Scripture is compromised when we embrace cultural relevance and allow personal preference to cloud our interpretation of Scripture to justify sin. Consequently, what the Bible teaches matters as long as it does not compromise personal preference or judge the choices people make for themselves. However, pity the man or woman who hears the inspired Word of God and rejects what it says on these and countless other controversial issues debated in society today, thus says the Lord. "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:20–21).

"As we go forth, our God and Father, lead us daily in the fight that all the world might see Your glory and Your Name be lifted high. And in this Name we overcome, for You shall see us safely home. Now as your church, we lift our voice and pray: ‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’" When I reflect upon the current state of our country, I am reminded from Scripture that God is in complete control regardless of human recognition. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). However, the Lord is not glorified merely by our praise for His wonderful blessings, but more so by our submission to His Word and our obedient application of its teachings in fear and trembling, regardless of the outcome. That fact alone should bring us to our knees before the foot of the cross in humble repentance, for as Christians we have become ignorant of our theological doctrine, fearful of cultural persecution, and honestly, too sensitive to speak truth in love to a world determined to eradicate Biblical morality altogether. In other words, we would rather cower to political correctness and hyper-sensitivity allowing the cultural mob and media to dictate what is righteous, moral and ethical rather than stand boldly and unashamed of what God's Word has to say about a particular matter. To that end, Scripture offers a stern and solemn warning to the Christian church:

"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay.' And again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:26–31).

Christ will not sit idly by and allow His bride (the Church) to be desecrated at the hands of evil men and women who do not revere the name of the Lord nor fear judgment of eternal hell and damnation which awaits them. What they fail to realize in their pride is "He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury" (Romans 2:6–8). "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). How then can any man reject God's Word which proclaims such truth and not comprehend the immeasurable risk at hand? Bottom-line, our ability to stand daily in the fight against evil forces of this world depends solely on the position of the Bible in our lives. Therefore, do we rest directly under the authority of Scripture universally in our lives, or stand parallel to the Bible as a book of reference rather than "absolute" truth? Keep in mind, contradicting Scripture to the extent of believing 99.9% is all the enemy needs to expose our weaknesses and undermine our faith to destroy the church from within. Our culture has proven that fact if we simply stop and recognize the debauchery of sin and lawless deeds proudly running rampant in our communities, fueled by media bias, and increasingly accepted/justified by mankind universally. Make no mistake, we are teetering on the verge of abandonment by the Lord for we are no longer a "Christian" nation. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore we must choose this day whom we will serve and more importantly, whether our lives demonstrate the belief, ‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’ However, let us do so with clarity of mind fully understanding the gravity of our decision lest we fall victim to accepting relative truth (even 0.1%) as our personal doctrine of morality rather than the absolute truth of Scripture.  

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’" (Matthew 7:21–23).

PSALM 3 (Personal Reflection)

Oh Lord, I have so many enemies

So many against me

Oh Lord, so many are saying

That You'll never rescue me

You, Oh Lord, are a shield around me

You're my glory and the lifter of my head

I cried to the Lord and He heard me 

From His Holy mountain

I won't be afraid

I am not afraid

I lay down and slept

And woke up in safety

For You're watching over me

And I'm not afraid

Of 10,000 armies

Because God, You are with me

Arise, Oh Lord, and rescue me

You already hold every victory

[CLICK HERE if video does not load]

It's not very often you come across a new song that is unreleased/unpublished and scarcely available publicly. However, Phil Wickham has provided an intimate glimpse into his interpretation of Psalm 3 which is arguably one of the best, raw and unfiltered songs I have heard in a long time. I've wrestled with how the Holy Spirit would have me apply the meaning behind this song considering the tumultuous year we are having with a worldwide pandemic, protests, and subsequent rioting, looting and violence plaguing our nation. In many ways, a great divide has been established by our culture/media on the foundation of spiritual truth, and more importantly, whether truth is relative (subject to change) or absolute. It is not a recent debate, for mankind has always searched for truth and life's meaning dating back centuries to Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. However, there is a distinct shift in our world today where self-proclaimed Christians are placing a "relative" filter over the Bible to appease their flesh and avoid convicting their spirit. Consequently, this has spread confusion like cancer throughout the body of Christ and turned God's children against one another regarding wisdom and morality. The belief that we can pivot away from Scripture's teachings as our source of absolute truth and supreme authority has become commonly accepted practice because accountability is waning within the body of Christ. How can this be? "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Therefore, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Knowing this, why then would mankind seek to undermine the authority of Scripture if it is God's inspired, absolute truth? The answer is simple: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:12–13). The challenge most people face reconciling Scripture in their hearts is to what extent love plays. For many, it is the gateway to justification and excuse which enables sin to persist. Therefore, let us be clear: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7), but love NEVER suppresses the absolute truth of God's Word to appease the flesh and enable sin.

"Oh Lord, I have so many enemies, so many against me. Oh Lord, so many are saying that You'll never rescue me." Make no mistake, the only enemies we should stand united against as followers of Christ are the forces of darkness in this world which cloud man's judgment by shifting his behavior toward justification/escape rather than accountability. In our culture, we are quick to judge and lay blame on those who do not align themselves with the shifting sands of popular opinion and media bias. However, Scripture exhorts a very different message if we examine what Jesus taught. "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:24–27). Jesus spoke these words at the conclusion of His sermon on the mount, which spans 3 full chapters of Matthew's Gospel and magnifies EXTREME, spiritual accountability on a number of hot-button behavioral issues (anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, love of enemies, giving, prayer, fasting, treasures, anxiety, judging, etc.) How then can we pick and choose which elements of our Lord's teachings are worth applying and which are not? Are we not subject to obeying them all? Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). Moreover, if anyone preaches truth contrary to what Scripture teaches, are they not enemies of God and subsequently our enemies as well, spiritually-speaking? Keep in mind, we are NEVER called to exact revenge on our enemies for the harm they seek to inflict upon us. Rather, we are called to turn the other cheek and live peacefully with others at all cost. That is why we can find immeasurable comfort in the sovereign authority of God's Word which exhorts us to love our enemies by speaking truth in love despite persecution, and not withholding blessings if we have the ability to meet their needs.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:14–21).

"You, Oh Lord, are a shield around me. You're my glory and the lifter of my head. I cried to the Lord and He heard me from His Holy mountain. I won't be afraid. I am not afraid." What a glorious chorus of wisdom and truth regarding the character of God and His immeasurable love and provision. However, we live in a world unequivocally hostile toward Scripture as inerrant, and will stop at nothing to destroy its validity. Some of the greatest minds this world has ever known (Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Friedrich Nietzsche, Richard Dawkins, etc.) emphatically rejected Christianity and proudly professed their opposition and disdain, so why should it surprise us that our world has devolved into post-modernism where truth is relative and discretionary? Scripture reminds us, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one" (Psalm 14:1–3). The sad reality is many self-proclaimed Christians are becoming increasingly post-modernistic in their personal theology as well, yet they fail to recognize their foolishness because they do not antiquate/correlate their faith in Christ as contingent upon the validity of Scripture. In other words, if I disagree with the Bible on any issue which forces me to oppose accepted, popular opinion, I am empowered to compartmentalize my faith as separate from the Bible to justify my actions/beliefs, or distance myself from accountability altogether by declaring God is love. It is true the Bible states, "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). However, that requires we acknowledge certain hot-button issues the Bible deems as sin and reconcile our hearts and minds to align with God's Word. Make no mistake, love exhibits immeasurable grace and mercy to others, but it never justifies sin as acceptable. For Jesus died to pardon our guilt because of love, not to justify the sins of mankind as righteous and acceptable before our heavenly Father. That is a powerful reminder considering our present culture, because standing firmly on the supreme authority of God's Word will inevitably bring criticism, judgment and persecution to those who live unashamed of the Gospel. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16). Therefore, we must embrace the armor of God which protects us from the enemy and equips us to stand firm in the face of cultural conformity which pressures us to appease the masses and obey our fleshly propensities.

"I lay down and slept and woke up in safety, for You're watching over me. And I'm not afraid of 10,000 armies because God, You are with me." Godly perspective is one of the greatest tools we have as Christians to endure spiritual warfare. In 2 Kings 6, the city of Dothan was surrounded by the Syrian army in search of the prophet Elisha, in order to seize him for relaying their war plans to the King of Israel. What we cannot miss from this story is the Godly perspective Elisha possessed which his servant temporarily lacked. "When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, 'Alas, my master! What shall we do?' He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:15–17). Perspective made all the difference in that moment and determined whether "fear of man" overcame their psyche or "trust in the Lord" prevailed. That is a powerful lesson we can glean from their experience as we prepare our hearts for the trials which lie ahead considering the political volatility of our nation currently. We must recognize a great chasm exists between the physical and spiritual realms of this world. "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:3–4). Persecution may bring us physical harm for standing unashamed on the absolute truth of God's Word, but nonetheless, we are protected spiritually by God. Countless missionaries can testify to the atrocities committed against Christians who did not retaliate in the presence of abuse, torture and martyrdom, but accepted their fate and chose to love and forgive their enemies instead. Compared to hostile nations across the globe, the United States has avoided extreme persecution of the Christian church, but the tide is quickly shifting to the point where one day the Bible will likely be considered "hate speech" in our country. Therefore, do not be deceived, my brethren! For our culture seeks to silence the church by forcing Christians to justify what the Bible clearly identifies as sin, and that is increasingly evident by our celebration of individual expression, personal choice, and universal acceptance of post-modernism within and outside the body of Christ. 

"Arise, Oh Lord, and rescue me. You already hold every victory." What many misunderstand is the Bible seeks to set man free from the powers of the flesh which wage war against the spirit. Yet in many cases, the personal theology of Christians today is indistinguishable from secular culture which does not fear God's eternal judgment. How can this be? The apostle Paul wrote, "'All things are lawful for me,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful for me,' but I will not be dominated by anything" (1 Corinthians 6:12). Though we have the power to choose how we live, our choices come with momentary and residual consequences, both good and bad. Because of free-will, every decision we make is permissible, but not every choice is righteous or beneficial either. For example, the Bible teaches regarding racism, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). Therefore, peacefully protesting racial injustice is encouraged. However, using rioting, violence and looting to communicate a message of systematic change is permissible, but not beneficial at all. Quite the contrary! Therefore, there are consequences we must consider before deciding what role we will play enacting change in our communities, but our behavior ultimately impacts what over-arching message is communicated. Similarly, abortion exists in our country because secular culture allows, yet God has much to say regarding the sanctity of life, murder, and judging for ourselves who lives and dies. Certainly, it is within our right to peacefully protest abortion clinics and government institutions which legally perpetuate the killing of unborn babies, but what message will we communicate if the Christian church remains silent by not lobbying government officials and protesting; or conversely, uses violence in the attempt to enact change? Scripture warns, "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil" (Proverbs 3:7). Therefore, we can rest assured the battle belongs to the Lord, first and foremost, and His omniscient, sovereign will supersedes our limited understanding. In the end, we must remember this world is not our home and our present struggles are momentary compared to eternity. However, in the time the Lord allots, we are called to fulfill the Great Commission and help others reconcile their hearts and minds to the absolute truth of God's Word. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:6–10).

GOOD GRACE (Personal Reflection)

People

Come together

Strange as neighbors

Our blood is one

Children

Of generations

Of every nation

Of kingdom come

Don’t let your heart be troubled

Hold your head up high

Don’t fear no evil

Fix your eyes upon this one truth

God is madly in love with you

Take courage

Hold on

Be strong

Remember where our help comes from

Jesus

Our redemption

Our salvation

Is in His blood

Jesus

Light of heaven

Friend forever

His kingdom come

Swing wide

All you heavens

Let the praise go up

As the walls come down

All creation

Everything with breath

Repeat the sound

All His children

Clean hands

Pure hearts

Good grace

Good God

His Name is Jesus

[CLICK HERE if video does not load]

In the wake of protests in the United States concerning racism in the aftermath of George Floyd's death, many rallying cries have enveloped our nation but none more so than "Black Lives Matter." As a white, adult male, I've wrestled with what that message means to me personally and, more importantly, sought to understand from Scripture what God has to say both directly and indirectly related to the issue at hand, as well as how I should respond. In today's age, it is easy to become swept up by media coverage/bias on a particular issue and defensive toward embracing the fact that we ALL have much to learn about personal heart change and loving one another from God's perspective. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34–35). What then does that mean? One of the more spirited discussions around "Black Lives Matter" is the argument that "ALL Lives Matter." In other words, shouldn't we give equal care, consideration and attention to all races and the injustices facing mankind universally? However, by offering that perspective, proponents argue we are minimizing racial injustice and suppressing the black community further by shifting focus off their legitimate, specific concerns and onto a more all-inclusive discussion. The challenge is that the moment we focus attention in one direction, an assumption is made that our lack of attention in other directions indirectly communicates a lack of concern regarding their importance. Nonetheless, pivoting toward acknowledgement of "Black Lives Matter" does not necessarily constitute that "ALL Lives DO NOT Matter." Rather, focusing our love and attention toward the racial injustices of our fellow man/woman, whether black, brown or white, is an all-encompassing message of love and support which should be our primary, battle cry as we serve one another in the body of Christ. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:13–15).

"People come together, strange as neighbors, our blood is one—children of generations, of every nation, of kingdom come." At a time when Jews faced impending genocide, Mordecai sent word to his cousin, Queen Esther, pleading for her support and holding her accountable before God to love, serve and protect their people. "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13–14). Because Esther held position and favor in the King's eyes, her message was allowed to be heard, and inevitably her courage to speak up despite the risk of potential persecution and death led to the preservation of her people in the midst of impending evil and unfathomable injustice. Therefore, we can learn from Esther's example and come together on the issue of racism impacting our country today, utilizing the authority of our respective position in today's culture and speaking on behalf of our brothers and sisters of color to exact positive change consistent with Scripture's teachings. That is why I chose, "Good Grace," by Hillsong United, as the song of inspiration for this personal reflection, because it encourages us to come together and recognize we are all made in the image of God and equal in our standing before Him on judgment day. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). That is a powerful distinction of truth we must recognize as followers of Christ. For though we are sons of Adam in the flesh, we are also sinful enemies of God destined to eternal hell and torment unless we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives. Therefore, while there is no distinction in the kingdom of heaven concerning race, nationality or gender as equal heirs to the gift of eternity, there is one specific distinction (the choice of salvation) which separates those who ultimately reside in heaven from those who choose self-preservation or false religion as their eternal sufficiency. While some may rile at the notion of God sentencing ANY human being to eternal damnation, the Bible is clear that we ALL have ample and equal opportunity to choose our eternal fate and accept grace by faith through Christ, or reject God's eternal provision for mankind and suffer the consequences. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6).

"Don’t let your heart be troubled. Hold your head up high. Don’t fear no evil. Fix your eyes upon this one truth: God is madly in love with you. Take courage. Hold on. Be strong. Remember where our help comes from." If there is one thing I've been reminded of amid the outcry of racial injustice these past few weeks, it is that our enemy is ultimately not of flesh and blood, but spirit. Therefore, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:11–12). Satan is the author of all lies and deception, and through evil men across our world throughout the history of time, he has inspired horrific and unimaginable atrocities toward mankind for no justifiable reason whatsoever. However, while it is easy to judge evil men of power and authority such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Saddam Hussein, Idi Amin, Genghis Kahn, Nero, etc., who authorized the execution of millions of innocent people for personal pleasure/agenda, it is another reality altogether when we witness evil deeds before our very eyes, as is the case regarding George Floyd on May 25, 2020. I dare say no one who watched the video of his arrest and subsequent murder were not outraged by the evil which took place and the nonchalant and inhumane manner in which it occurred. However, we must be careful to distinguish who is ultimately at fault and not label or judge others based on association to the detriment of law enforcement universal. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Satan would tempt us to believe our enemy does not share our same skin color, possess the same power or authority under law, identify as the same gender or sexual orientation, maintain the same economic status, adhere to the same political ideologies, etc. However, we cannot lose sight that our focus as followers of Christ should be centered on good vs. evil, by loving those who would seek to do us harm and forgiving those who have sinned against us. That does not negate or disqualify the need and necessity for justice and systematic change in our world to ensure the safety and equitable treatment of every man, woman, child, and unborn baby, but it helps us remember who our true enemy is (Satan) and who alone (God) is our source of strength in times of need. For only God is sovereign, not man. "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand" (Proverbs 19:21).

"Jesus, our redemption, our salvation is in His blood. Jesus, light of heaven, friend forever, His kingdom come." Undoubtedly, the only way we transform our communities, nation and world universal is through the saving power of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15–17). There is much minutia in our culture today which sways our heart's affection from our Creator to the created and tempts us to assume a particular race, ethnicity or people group are to blame when an atrocity occurs, even though evil resides in the heart of every human being. Therefore, it is imperative we heed the words of Scripture as our moral compass in times of confusion to avoid losing focus on what God prioritizes. "You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire" (Matthew 5:21–22). In other words, no man or woman is exempt from God's judgment. For spiritual-speaking, we likely have ALL committed murder in the eyes of God at some point, if not frequently. However, we are supernaturally equipped to love our neighbors as ourselves when we embrace God's love through the power of the Holy Spirit, enabled by saving grace through Christ's death, burial and resurrection. "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:16–18). Therefore, we must stand boldly in the face of oppression with our brothers and sisters in Christ and peacefully protest injustice to inspire change in our world because we love one another enough to bear one another's burdens. However, our endeavors are fruitless and devoid of value if we have not recognized the depravity of sin in our hearts first and foremost, and reconciled our lives to God in submission to Christ and obedience to His Word. 

"Swing wide all you heavens, let the praise go up as the walls come down. All creation, everything with breath repeat the sound. All His children: Clean hands, pure hearts, good grace, good God. His Name is Jesus." Again, let us be clear in the aftermath of recent protests that, ultimately, our enemy is not the government or law enforcement as some would have us believe. Without question, there are good and righteous police officers, military personnel, and even politicians holding positions of authority in our communities across the globe who are worthy of our respect, and deserve appreciation and support for their genuine efforts to serve, protect, defend, and eradicate injustices in our world according to God's Word. However, there are those who use their power and position for evil purposes and oppress equality and dignity of life, which is unfortunately the case in George Floyd's murder. Therefore, we must examine our hearts and minds BEFORE engaging the culture to measure where we truly stand on cultural/political issues, and then filter them through the pages of Scripture to gauge whose authority is sovereign in our lives as we seek for justice and positive change in our communities. "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23–24). For instance, are we equally as passionate about eradicating police brutality against minorities as we are abolishing abortion? Are we equally concerned about quenching starvation and world hunger as we are promoting equality of women in the workplace? Are we equally supportive of military personnel who sacrifice their lives to protect our freedoms as we are gender identity and sexual orientation of our citizens? The pages of Scripture have much to say on all of these issues (and countless others), and God expects His followers to be spiritual mature in the knowledge and application of His absolute truth "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:14–16). If we are to fulfill our purpose as the body of Christ, we must guard ourselves from being swept away by the rip current of social/political agendas which may not be aligned with Scripture. Therefore, we must take our faith seriously enough to know what God is passionate about before we act in accordance with our flesh, which wages war against the Spirit of God within us. Bottom-line, our power to enact positive change in this world is only hindered by our ignorance of what God's Word teaches, and our unwillingness to stand upon its pillars of absolute truth regardless of trials and persecution.

In the end, reconciliation begins with the power to forgive. In the wake of the West Nickel Mines School shooting in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on October 2, 2006, where 10 Amish children were shot, 5 of which killed at the hands of an outsider to their community who inevitably committed suicide, members of the Amish Brethren community immediately went to the appalled and grieving family of the shooter not only to forgive, but console them. Their actions gripped the nation because it was extraordinary and unparalleled. Rather than demand justice for the crime committed against them, they instead entrusted themselves to God and the promises of Holy Scripture by embracing forgiveness before allowing their flesh to cloud their judgment. "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:19–21). Unfortunately, such spiritual maturity is uncommon in our world today. Often, people seek retribution for personal agendas which, at times, are not even related to the issue at hand before considering the consequences of their actions, hence the widespread rioting, violence and looting accompanying the racial protests across our nation currently. Nonetheless, there are indeed changes which must take place across our country and the world at large to ensure equality, freedom and sanctity of life for all mankind (including the unborn), but we cannot lose sight that true, lasting change begins in the human heart. Scripture declares, "'Yet even now,' declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster" (Joel 2:12–13). If Christ is not our all-encompassing sufficiency in the pursuit of righteousness and godliness, we will be powerless to defeat the forces of evil in this world. Therefore, may we come together as one voice in complete submission to God's authority and obedience to His Word, so that in good conscience we can offer ourselves with clean hands and pure hearts to the Lord to fulfill His sovereign purpose in our world. "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.' For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:9–15).

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