Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Are you a racist?

The issue of race and prejudice has been a hot topic in the news as of late with the incident involving the arrest of a prominent African American Harvard University Professor Henry Gates by a caucasian Srgt James Crowley. While I'm not interested in the politicization of the event I think it's important to let Scripture weigh in on prejudice.

Moses was known as the meekest man on the planet. He too found himself in a racially charged debate with his own brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam. They were ticked at Moses for marrying a Cushite woman who was a black Ethiopian. (Numbers 12) By the way, I think Ethiopians are about the most beautiful people on the planet.

Instead of retaliating or seeking vindication, Moses let God take care of the situation. With gentleness and humility, he made himself low before his accusers. As a result, God struck Miriam with leprosy. In other words, God said, "Miriam, you are brown and you wanted your brother to marry a "light" or white girl, than fine, I will give you more of what you want." And instantly her skin was turned white as snow.

You see, God's Word does not teach racial segregation. But it does teach religious segregation. If you are a black believer and you fall in love with a white believer, than God says, "Go for it." But if you are a believer, God says, "Don't date or marry someone who is an unbeliever." Amos 3:3, 2 Cor. 6:14ff

God does not judge us by our outward appearance, but he examines us by the condition of our heart. (1 Sam. 16) I suggest we follow God's lead.