Called to Conquer Racism in 2020

In North Korea, children are taught to hate America and its allies.

Their schoolchildren visit a museum called the Sinchon Museum of American War Atrocities. And the propaganda teaches them that Americans “are a sinister lot: scheming missionaries, marauding soldiers, and masters of torture.”

North Korean children are taught about evil atrocities that America never committed. But they’re never given the chance to learn better, because most will never see an American, much less talk to one.

Their understanding of history and reality is distorted.

I’m not writing to defend the virtues of America. Instead, I share this illuminate a truth about human nature.

In fact, some psychologists say that enemies give more meaning to life and that hating a mutual enemy unites a country.

This is how the world, the fallen spiritual realm governed by Satan, thinks. But it is not how Christians think.

The Apostle John shares:

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:16 ESV

God loved us while we were his enemies (Rom 5:8). And God loves his children (1 John 3:1).

With political tensions, persecution, and racism aflame around the world, let’s consider what God’s love that abides in us will compel us to do.

Christian Love Conquers Racism

We are all made in God’s image (Gen 1:27). All people are equally valued by God. This means that Christians, BY DEFAULT, view people in this way.

Phillip Holmes at Desiring God writes: “Many don’t think racism is that big of a deal as long as no one is being lynched, enslaved, or physically abused.”

Racism is an issue in Asia. It’s an issue in Europe. It’s an issue in North America… In Africa…

…it’s a problem everywhere.

But it should be a DECREASING issue in the household of God.

As Christians, we love what God loves, and hate what God hates.

Christian love brings reconciliation, healing, and wholeness. It also demands that we stand against the world’s corrupting influence from the inside out (John 17:16).

Conquer Racism in Your Small Corner of the World

None of us can conquer this evil on our own. But did you know that our Short Daily Devotions family alone represents more than 80 countries and every populated continent?

What would happen if thousands of us did this in 2020:

1. Start with your heart first.
   Identify the racial divisions in your city. How do you carry those prejudices in your own heart? Pray for the group of people most marginalized by racial divides. Your heart toward them will become more like the Father’s, and less like the world’s.
2. Work within your church.
   As your heart changes, challenge those in your church to examine their hearts as well. Do this in Sunday School, small groups, coffee shops, text messages… And everywhere else you meet! Transform the heartbeat of your church.
3. Combat it in real life.
   Stand against the forces of the world that drive a wedge between people on evil grounds like racism. When your eyes are open, you will see it. When your ears are attuned, you will hear it. And when your heart is changed, you will speak and act against it (Lu 6:45).

Today’s devotion by Jordan Loftis, author of two bestselling books, Today We Win and The Men With Bare Feet, host of The Bible Better Podcast, and editor of Short Daily Devotions.