Anti-discrimination is a big concern nowadays. In a nation that touts “freedom for all” and guarantees equal rights, there should be no discrimination. But there is.
Discrimination has existed as long as humans have lived. It isn’t limited to one nation or people group; in fact, you could say it’s an equal opportunity factor.
In America, we’re most concerned about discrimination in the areas of gender-types, race, religion, and social-economic status. Sadly, the protected rights of one group can infringe on another.
Hearts and minds
Laws can be passed and policies created, but they won’t change people’s hearts and minds. It’s in a person’s thinking and emotions that prejudice and bias reside.
Unless a person is changed internally, any changes on the outside are temporary and often fickle.
“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 (NKJV)
The kingdom of God is so different from the world around us. God rules His kingdom with love and love prevails over laws.
When a person encounters God’s grace and is changed spiritually in his heart and mind, he begins to see people differently than before. At least, that’s God’s intent and purpose for His children.
[bctt tweet="God rules His kingdom with love and love prevails over laws" username="tkbeyond"]
God doesn't discriminate
This verse isn’t saying nationalities, status, or gender no longer exist in a physical sense, but within God’s kingdom, in relationship with Jesus Christ, we are all one.
God doesn’t discriminate. After all, He’s doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9).
We see this through the life of Jesus displayed in the four gospels. Of course, this openness to people of all backgrounds angered those who created barriers against many people.
In the end, Jewish leaders manipulated people to turn against Jesus. They were definitely discriminatory.
[bctt tweet="God doesn’t discriminate—He doesn't want anyone to perish" username="tkbeyond"]
God's worldview
When God’s grace is worked into our hearts and minds, we can look past whatever causes prejudice and bias. The love of Jesus and His call that we follow Him (Luke 9:23) ought to strip us of such things.
So, why does discrimination of any kind exist within the Church? Why do we as believers react in prejudicial ways toward others?
Simple. The prevailing culture of the world too often exerts more influence on us than the radically different culture of God’s kingdom.
[bctt tweet="God’s kingdom is radically different from the world's culture" username="tkbeyond"]
What can be done about it?
Each of us must choose the worldview of Jesus over the worldview of our culture. His worldview is summed up in John 3:16—God’s love prompted His death for all of humanity.
It’s not like wearing blinders or rose-colored glasses, but having a gracious heart and a renewed mind.
[bctt tweet="Choose the worldview of Jesus over the worldview of our culture" username="tkbeyond"]
Some questions and an encouragement—
How do you see prejudice and bias in your own heart and thoughts?
Why do you think any prejudice or bias exists in your life?
Look at who you tend to view in a negative way, how can you pray for them?
Likewise, who do you feel has a negative attitude towards you, and how can you pray for them?
Find ways of building relationships with people who are different from you, and ask the Lord to guide you in doing so.
This was originally posted on Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale's Daily Devo blog, here's the link– Freedom from Antidiscrimination