George Floyd. Black lives. Social injustice. Police brutality. Police reform.
These are only few of the many issues that have overwhelmed social media over the week. Like the majority, I have also watched countless videos and I can only say just how sickened I am to witness the corruptness of mankind. It is everywhere. Romans 3:10-18 in vivid form. The evilness and wretchedness of mankind.
Before I continue, let me not be mistaken, as Christians, let us not be blinded of the mistreatment and injustice that we are witnessing. We must show love by helping the weak and protecting the vulnerable. Let us not only pray earnestly for them, but let us weep and walk with the wounded.
Nevertheless, I emphasise, as the Church, we must also see this issue as the Bible says it is. Contrary to what this world has zealously amplified, the problem of injustice did not start 400 years ago with black slavery. No, my brothers and sisters, the problem started when sin came into the world by one man who was, and is, our representative (Romans 5:12). Since then, the human race has been absolutely corrupt.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”- Romans 3:23
This is the greatest problem of all mankind. Sin.
So, if sin is our problem, then what is the solution? The solution is in the good news of Jesus Christ. Why? Let me remind you, my dear brothers and sisters, not only is our God all loving and merciful, our God is all holy and just (Hebrews 9:27). His righteousness and justice DEMANDS our punishment in hell for all eternity (Romans 6:23).
BUT GOD, in His rich mercy and grace became human and was nailed on the cross of Calvary. Jesus Christ who knew no sin took our penalty and absorbed the wrath that was rightly meant for us (Romans 3:24-25). Oh, what a grace! His kindness itself causes us to repent (Romans 2:4). This is the Gospel that has changed our lives as Christians and this is the same Gospel that we ought to amplify in our walk and in our speech.
Why do I share this my dear brothers and sisters? Before any change can happen in the world, it must first start with the heart. If we want injustice to stop and see change in government systems, we must deal with it to the core.
This truth transforms. Jesus Christ is the only source that changes the hearts of people. Not police reform, nor change in government systems dealt by human means, but it is God Himself who will give a new heart and a new spirit to the one who calls upon the name of Jesus. He will remove the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).
Too often, Christians are quick to say “God loves you. God has saved you…”
But my dear brethren, a loving God without righteousness is no God. What has God saved us from? From His very wrath. We, as Christians must share the FULL GOSPEL.
If we truly believe that we are to be like Jesus to bring hope into the world, then we must speak like Jesus, and if we are to speak like Jesus, then we must call people to repent and be born again! The greatest form of love is to share the truth and warn people out of eternal damnation.
Like Paul, he came to cities filled with political corruption and debauchery. But what did he preach? Christ and Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Yes, he followed the traditions of men in the places he visited, but for what cause? For the sake of the Gospel! He walked with the wounded and became weak like the weak, but for what purpose? For the sake of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16-23).
Now, more than ever, we need to step out into the darkness and be the light. Let us not turn to secular sources. The only source we should rely on is in His Word, for the gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). We must be the ambassadors of Christ and the feet who bring this good news. How else can someone have faith and hope without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14-15).
It is written that the world will hate us and mock us (Matthew 10:22). They will call us lunatics and speak ill of us for sharing the good news at a time like this and deny its power, but take heart my friends! Those whom He calls will hear. Your labor will never be in vain. So, I urge you, USE YOUR VOICE. USE YOUR PLATFORM AND SHARE THE GOSPEL!