Where We're Equal
WEST SIDE'S BUMP FOR THE MONTH
-September 2001
There has been much to-do about the United Nations Conference
against racism the last little while. Looking at the title of the
conference you would be hard pressed to believe that it could be so
controversial.
Surely everyone would agree that prejudicial views of
others are wrong and need to be fought against.
Surely, everyone would
also agree that its in 'democratic' countries like ours that has
almost seen the extinction of the breed of humans known as 'racists'.
It is unfortunate that in the 21st century there are still a lot
of people who have felt the pain of being judged by who they are rather
than what they do!
Skin colour, language, ethnic background and gender prejudices are
alive and well not only in the remote places on earth but in our
backyard!
With all of our laws and amendments people are still looking at their
fellow man through these set of lenses. Where can we turn for help?
While the church from the human perspective is not perfect in this
regard, from the divine side she alone offers hope. No, I am not
saying there are no longer any surface judgments in our church
building. No, I am not saying that there are no longer any members of
the church who don't equate some in-born trait of an individual with
his/her worth.
I am saying however, that in the eyes of Jesus Christ, his body is made
up of equal citizens regardless of race, colour or gender.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there
is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
(Galatians 3:28)
Realistically, we are not going to stamp out racism by our
efforts. The only hope we have is by bringing the lost to the
knowledge of the Son of God. Then once washed in his blood, red is the
only colour that matters, the gospel of peace is the only language
that matters, and being found in Jesus is the only background that
matters.
May the church of our Lord show that Christ indeed breaks down
every barrier and may each individual Christian recognize that in the
eyes of God there are no second-class citizens of His kingdom. --Drew
Chapados
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