Once again, after hearing a message at drive-in church, I had a plethora of ideas flood my mind. As so many have been doing since the death of George Floyd, people are weighing in with opinions, advice and often just rambling thoughts. I too, have had many thoughts about what is going on. I happen to disagree with all of it. The death of George Floyd was despicable and sickening to watch. I thought about how his mother must have felt, watching the life go out of her son with his face pressed into asphalt, begging for his life. I also wondered how another human being, whatever their race, could be so callous and evil to do such a thing. So, I strongly disagree with the actions of this police officer and those that participated. I also disagree with all the looting and violence that has ensued. As of yesterday, we had lost 11 lives due to all this violence for the one life that was lost during the initial crime. Was that an eye for an eye? Was that justice? Justified because of what had happened to George Floyd? In addition to the loss of life, some entire communities have been destroyed and will probably never recover. The last thing I disagree with is the protests. I’m not against people expressing their opinion or standing up for what they think is right, but none of these protests and riots will come close to solving this problem. I truly believe the peaceful protestors mean well. I believe they are in a crisis. I just think continuing to demonstrate, while realizing the violence surround it, is robbing them of their platform, is in some ways an indifference on their part to the evil that is being perpetrated on innocent. If all these peaceful protests would base what they do on love and not anger…something might have a chance for bringing about change.
The problem we are facing right now is a heart problem and no law, legislation or policy will change hearts. Only God can change a heart. Several scriptures used in the message I heard were found in the Gospels. They were quotes of Jesus and his commands to love others as ourselves…how the Good Samaritan treated the injured man on the side of the road in spite of their cultural and racial differences…..how Jesus treated the woman at the well. In all these instances, Jesus was making the point of treating others the way you would want to be treated.
This morning while I was reading my Bible I was praying about where to read, what I needed to hear from the Holy Spirit and if there was anything to share with you all. Anywhere I go to hear people speak such as church, meetings, retreats, conventions, etc, I always take something to write down ideas for my blog. I can’t tell you how many times ( almost always) I get ideas that often don’t have anything to do with what I’m exactly listening to at the moment, but whatever is being said, sparks ideas that often lead to great topics. This morning I was lead to Acts 10. It’s the story of Peter and Cornelius the Centurion. Both are praying and allowing God to move in their circumstances. While Cornelius is praying, Peter is having a vision. It’s the vision that many people often misinterpret. It was a sheet coming down out of heaven, with four corners with every type of food on it, especially meat was on this sheet. The Holy Spirit told Peter to rise, kill and eat. Peter responded by saying he had never eaten anything that is common or unclean. As you know, Jews were forbidden to eat certain foods, especially pork. Immediately Peter heard a voice saying “What God has made clean, do not call common”. This happened three times. Peter was perplexed about what this meant. In the meanwhile men came to get Peter in order to go to Cornelius’ house. The Holy Spirit directed Cornelius to call for Peter and the Holy Spirit told Peter to go see him.
When Peter entered Cornelius' house, he bowed to Peter. Peter told him to rise, that he was a man just like Cornelius, but reminded him it was forbidden that Jews should associate with Romans. And at that time it became clear to Peter what his vision meant. He told Cornelius even though it’s unlawful for me to be here and speak to you, God has revealed to me that I should not call ANY PERSON common or unclean.
Now there are several things significant about this encounter. First, two godly men opened their heart to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and immediately obeyed them. Secondly, Peter went to the home of a Roman Centurion, which was breaking the law. And, lastly, because both were obedient, Peter was able to share the Gospel to a house full people that had never heard it. While he was speaking, “the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles…for they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God”.
Because two people from different backgrounds, different races and customs opened their hearts to God and were actively seeking Him, the Holy Spirit was able to move on them and stir the love of God inside them to come together. To agree. To minister to one another and bring many others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
They solved an age old problem of race, custom, breeding, etc. by getting in one accord. They agreed to set aside their differences and that it was only salvation and grace through Jesus Christ that could allow them to do so.
SO……how do we maintain impartiality and eradicate Prejudice? First, we daily seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Second, we act on it without hesitation, not fearing what others may think or do. Third, in our minds, acknowledge that we are all humans with bodies that function exactly the same, breathe the same air, bleed the same red blood and will eventually die leaving behind families that we loved and loved us. Acknowledge that we all want a good life, a life of freedom in our country but more so in Christ.
I want to encourage us all to actively seek the Holy Spirit and His wisdom! If we all do that daily, we won’t have to protest, we won’t have to express anger in violent ways, we won’t have to be demonstrating bad and vulgar behavior, we won’t be grieving over needless deaths, we won’t be wringing our hands wondering what to do. The Holy Spirit wants to unit us in Spirit and in truth. Should we be outraged at the death of a human being at the hands of another, needlessly? Yes! Do we sympathize with the wounds that so many need healing? Yes!! But I purpose to do something that will actually make a difference….I will seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit daily and act on it accordingly! I pray you do also! This is a heart problem and only God can change a heart!
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