The racism issue may seem complex and impossible to solve, but it doesn’t have to be this way. When strained race relations and racism are broken down to the basics, it comes down to what is in a person’s heart. Luke 6:43
Racism has been a part of history for almost as long as humans have existed. Many people have worked tirelessly here in America to stem the tide of racism. Names from the past like Dr. King, Robert Kennedy, and Rosa Parks come to mind. The civil rights movement had a tremendous effect on our society and finally, the darkness of oppression was beginning to lift. America isn’t a perfect nation and although the turbulent 1960s saw the end of widespread, state-sanctioned racism, the root cause still exists today.
I want to briefly mention that although this nation isn’t perfect and there were dark days in our history, America is a land where the playing field is now becoming much more level. Black, Hispanic, Asian, and White people all have the same opportunities for a bright future. If a person, regardless of color is willing to work hard, come in early, stay late, go the extra mile, take initiative, and be creative, the possibilities are endless. When people work harder to find solutions rather than excuses, great things can happen.
That doesn’t mean everything is perfect because there are still people of all colors who were born into disadvantaged situations. Moms are left by “men” who refuse to take ownership of their own children they helped bring into the world. Drug and alcohol abuse has ravaged inner cities. When the father leaves the home, the home no longer functions as it was supposed to. When he leaves the home, the primary provider and mentor leave children to face this world at a great disadvantage.
Despite all of these challenges and sometimes overwhelming odds, there are numerous accounts of Children beating the odds and moving on to a bright future. Even with all of the imperfections of the American system, this is still a land of opportunity for those who are willing to work hard and refuse to wear the label of victim.
Here we are forty years after the civil rights movement and racism is still with us. Race relations seemed to improve over the last four decades, but now in just the past few years, it is clear that all is not well. Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Charlotte, and other major cities resemble the old days marred by violence and hatred. There are isolated cases of a very small number of white police officers exhibiting brutality. They should and will be punished according to the law.
But here is the thing, a vast majority, over 99% of our law enforcement officers are the real deal. 
These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect citizens and uphold the law. These Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic officers don’t ask about the race of a robbery, shooting, mugging, or abuse victim, they simply get there quickly to help and often put their lives on the line.
The overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers are kind compassionate people who take a difficult job because they care about all people and deserve respect.
Regardless of what opinion you have about the events leading up to Fergusson, Baltimore, Charlotte, or other places, what followed each event was disastrous. Instead of letting ‘due process’ run its lawful course, people take matters into their own hands.
Agitators and anarchists burn down businesses, and torch buses, and police cars, while homeowners are left defenseless because their neighborhood has become a war zone where even the firefighters and paramedics are targeted when responding to calls for help. Oftentimes, it is minority owner homes and businesses that are sadly destroyed.
Racism at its very core is an issue of the human heart. It’s the heart that devises evil, the heart that is goaded on by greed and selfishness. Yes, racism still exists but it is only in the heart of a person who is bent on self, greed, and pride. James sums up this heart condition well and it is the root cause of racism on all sides. James 4:1
Deep in a Black, White, Asian, or Hispanic heart are motives. What motivates you is the driving force behind how we treat and love people. If we focus on our own hearts, then the facades must fall. The facade also includes people of every color who choose to blame others for every evil in the world, instead of examining their own hearts. This facade includes some white people who claim to be Christians, all the while despising black people and other minorities and the same can be said for minorities hating white people.
Unfortunately, racism will be a part of this world until the Prince of Peace reigns on this planet. Although we cannot completely eradicate the evil of racism from this world, there is a way it can be purged from an individual human heart and that is by the soul-transforming gospel of Jesus.
People in the secular world have the ability to love those that love them. We see this in family and friend relationships all of the time. It’s something altogether different when we are truly able to love others who are different than us, have nothing to give back, and might not even like us. Where does the ability to love like this come from?
It comes from a transformed human heart that has been washed and cleansed by Jesus. He alone can do this work in hearts. You can’t change your heart by yourself. You can’t march, self-loathe, protest, shout, join hands, hold posters, boycott, sit in, or label others enough to change yourself. Only Jesus can make your heart new.
He will give you a heart that sees people of all races as created equally by God and loved just as much by Him. Resist the silly notion that you can change society and confront racism with angry tweets, posts, and speeches. While many people are screaming at others for being racists, they have ignored the fact that they themselves are racists.
During the course of my life as a white man, I have heard some of the most reprehensible things said about other races by white people, including African Americans. Those labels and statements are wrong, unloving, and ungodly. Is it possible for a white Christian to love God and despise black people? Certainly not, because if someone claims to love God while hating others, they are a Christian in name only. Loving black people as a white Christian man gives evidence of a renewed mind and heart. You can’t conjure up love for others, only God will give you love for others, including other races that the world can’t manufacture.
If you are a white Christian, don’t let the hateful talk of others fester. If a white Christian tears down black people or others in front of you, it’s a godly thing to stop it and tell them they are wrong. It’s the same for black people, how can we say we love God and not love white people because of their skin color?
There is racism on all sides and no single race is immune to hate. If people have no one to answer to, they can do almost anything. If a young black or white man has no moral grounding and no God to answer to, why should we expect anything less than worldly behavior, hate, and selfishness? On the other hand, if the same young men have a genuine relationship with God through Jesus, they are changed from the inside out. As well intended as they are, no civic effort, social program, or rehabilitation can produce lasting results at the heart level only Christ can bring. Racism is a disease of the heart and left untreated, it is terminal. 1 John 4:20
When a person becomes a Christian, the barrier Satan used to divide us must fall. We are one family under our Lord Jesus. Of course, people will celebrate their customs, heritage, and culture and that’s good. The point is this, when I see a brother or sister in Christ, I see family.
When a person writes this ministry with a prayer request, a praise report, or a concern, I don’t screen them for color, that would be hateful and twisted. All people are created in the image of God. Every human on this earth is deeply loved by Him so much that He sent His Son to die for them. As a Bible teacher, I want to make it clear that racism and Christianity are diametrically opposed to one another. If you claim to follow Jesus, but hate people of different races, examine your heart. God has made all believers family under His Son and we will all be together in heaven forever. Galatians 3:23
If you are reading this article and sense the tension in our society and especially in your own heart in recent months, you need to know that Jesus is the answer to the evil of racism in your heart regardless of your skin color. He promises to transform your heart if you let Him. If you acknowledge the evil, hatred, and vileness of your sinful heart, then he will make you clean. When the Lord cleanses your heart, you will then be enabled to show genuine love for people of all races. Don’t let the lies and agenda of anyone or anything stand in the way of total heart renewal.
As a white Christian let me close by saying, I love African American, Hispanic, and Asian people and I abhor what racism is doing to this country and most importantly to people’s hearts. I’m pleading with all believers to reach out with the love of Jesus to others. I’m inviting Christians of all races to contact us and share your personal stories of hope, deliverance, and reconciliation.
Below is a link to our: Are You Saved? Page. Click on it to understand what it means to become a follower of Jesus.
All for Him,
Howard
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