Reflections from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention (Part 1)
Rick Warren on Racial Unity
Every morning, Rick Warren’s “Daily Hope” devotions greet me in my inbox. I’ve read his book, The Purpose Driven Life, and years ago, hosted a church small group to discuss that book. So it was fun to see the famous pastor in person at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention.
Warren’s topic at NRB was about racial unity in the church. The church continues to be the most “segregated” institution in our country. Warren said, “We need a third great spiritual awakening in our nation. However, there’s never going to be revival if 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of the week.”
I understand persecution. Growing up poor in a wealthy environment, I felt left out of activities because I didn’t have what the other kids had. I alternated between two outfits, and probably did not have good personal hygiene because of my home environment, where I was raised by my mentally ill mother. Because I was “different,” I remember being left out of social activities and blocked from joining the girl scouts, even though I signed up. When I was old enough to understand why I was shunned, I vowed to never treat another person differently than myself and over the years, have embraced diversity.
Warren provided three reasons why God hates racial prejudice:
1. It questions God’s creation.
2. It’s a sign of ignorance.
3. It disobeys the great commandment. (Matthew 28:19)
“Racism isn’t a skin problem, it’s a sin problem. Most of the people in Heaven aren’t going to look like you,” said Warren.
Whenever Pearls of Promise hosts a women’s conference, you will find racial diversity. I surround myself with a diverse group of friends. When I moved from South Texas to North Texas I prayed for a multi-cultural neighborhood, and got it.
Pray for direction from God on this issue. What can you do to promote unity?
Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Either the Bible is wrong, or God hates division. So today, let’s start embracing each other with the love of Christ. Let’s cross man-made boundary lines and erase our familial programming from the past.
Let’s become more like our Father in Heaven. When God looks at humanity, he’s colorblind. He simply sees the children He loves.