One of the most prominent topics of discussion today is the discussion of race. On the heels of George Floyd’s untimely death, Blacks and others have been protesting and speaking out against police brutality and social injustice. Consequently, some may be wondering how race relates to one’s purpose.

Black people, no more did your history start with slavery than your history will end with slavery. This is not your story. Your skin tone does not determine your purpose. It is the condition of your heart toward God, and your story that he has written about your life that determines the fulfilling of your purpose. (“Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” [Psalm 139:16].)

There is a plethora of information out there that is based on a one-sided perspective concerning U.S. history. This dilemma requires effort from people of color (POC) to teach themselves. This means going back in time to Africa and coming forward to today, to include the history of your ancestral heritage, as well as your contemporary African American accomplishments that have been eliminated from U.S. history books.

Slave owners never meant for Black Americans to be equal. To thrive as autonomous citizens was never White America’s plan. This is evident in comments such as, “Why don’t you go back to where you came from” and in the same breath, “You do realize that there are no slaves in this country today.” This is the tragedy of ignorance; it contradicts itself and makes no sense to the intelligent.

This mindset is clearly exemplified by the heinous event of Black Wall Street, touted to be the worst act of American terrorism and racism in American History, fully executed by White Americans more than 50 years after slaves were emancipated. To think of “Black” and “American” in the same context is baffling to those who think themselves supreme—to those who believe that God created them better, smarter, wiser, and purer than any other race, than any other POC.

This is the matter of a prideful heart condition towards God, although he admonishes, “For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:4). This is not a mere edict, but a strong warning.

And like it, after an encounter with God regarding racism, Peter admonishes, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:34).

“Every nation” includes every human of every race that is righteous through Jesus Christ. Of every race, those who obey God’s laws will live, to the rest he has pronounced death. There is a “second death” for the wicked (Revelation 20:14-15).

Black equality was not the desire of White America’s ancestors and neither is it the desire of White supremacists today. The intention of their ancestors was to build on the backs of those whom they oppressed and to teach their descendants to keep their knees on their necks—even against national laws. The conundrum? When what God invested in African Americans was made manifest, despite hardships and seemingly insurmountable odds, the hatred and fear in the oppressor was ignited—I might add, even jealousy reared its head. This is still the case today in too many White Americans.

What incenses them is that their plan has gone awry. Contrary to God’s plan that all should thrive in fulfilling their purpose, that all should live in peace with one another, these have been duped to believe that they are this nation’s gods. Therefore, the blessing that they imagined has become a curse to them. Their wicked hearts are vexed by the greatness of the POCs mandated purpose—by the POCs spirits that will not be broken. Their resolution? Overthrow them, even by death. This has always been the case for racists. But, unfortunate for them, they unwittingly persecute the God who saves (re: Acts 26:14a). They rebel against the Son who says, “It is useless for you to fight against my will” (Acts 26:14b).

The mind of the wicked cannot conceive that POC can be equal in intellect, passion, and identity; and surely not with a destiny more than that of servitude to the White man. The result is a nation in turmoil that has instigated a worldwide revolution.

The truth? The life that was breathed in you by the Life Giver is the testament of your value. Period. No approval necessary. Your significance is not determined by those with the evil intent to subjugate, castigate, and intimidate you. Your significance was determined by God when he made you—that was never humanity’s call. Whether your ancestor’s proximity to the equator required substantial melanin for their skin’s protection, and your destiny came by their forced passage to a foreign land, your significance is that the Creator has a plan for your life.

Represented on this past Juneteenth 2020, more than ever Black America has come to realize that emancipation comes with both rights and responsibilities. Not to man, but to God. Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28, NLT). This determines your focus. With all that you do, do it according to your specific purpose.

For example, I am a writer. My responsibility to God is to be a Godly writer. I will not engage in arguing and fruitless rhetoric that invokes wickedness, nor that of man’s opinions that invoke humanism. In my humanity, I have a low tolerance for willful ignorance. But as a minister of the Gospel, I am constrained to love the unlovable. I am mandated to teach and equip willing disciples.

My heavenly Father has warned me that not everyone will receive what I write—not even some who are Christians, including some who are pastors. He counseled me that although they would be convicted, they would not want to accept God’s truth. Nevertheless, I’ve been mandated to write despite them. Why do I obey? Because I fear God and not people. Because I love humanity and pursue peace. There are consequences for evil—well let’s call it sin as God does. Know that God judges sin—all human’s sin, notwithstanding our skin color or our purpose. That’s not my business.

Dig deep within yourself for personal clarity and direction. When you get the green light from God, go. Go with the understanding that a green light means to go, not to speed. Breaches of the law are punishable by law. God does not condone the lawlessness that is rampant in our land today. God loves order. On the contrary, the devil is the author of confusion. Pride, whether White pride or Black pride is taboo. “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). DO keep flowing with the winds of change amid the chaos and agitated affronts against you. Recognize the voices of righteousness. God is with you. Don’t become what you hate.

Moreover, don’t place so much emphasis on flesh and blood. “[E]ach person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, NLT). Christians don’t die, we multiply. We have eternal life that no human and no devil can snatch away. This is our blessed hope. Rest assured that God will avenge every act of injustice.

Stay focused within your calling as you submit to the intentionality of your Maker. God still has faith in humanity—in you. It is indeed sad to read, see, or hear from those who are more angered by the destruction of lifeless concrete and statues that were crafted by man’s hands, than they are by the destruction of human lives that were created by God’s hands. This, however, begs that you develop and maintain intimacy with God, to be strengthened and informed by the wisdom of the judge of all humankind. Of this you can be exceedingly grateful, that could be you! You could be the one deluded and filled with hatred and pride, but you’re blessed.

“And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice, partiality, or bribery” (2 Chronicles 19:7). This goes for every human being in the world, “For God does not show favoritism” to any over the other (Romans 2:11).

Facing Racism was first published on Living Affirmed https://atomic-temporary-137436620.wpcomstaging.com/2020/06/20/facing-racism/ June 20, 2020, by M. J. Smith.

Photo by Simeon Jacobson on Unsplash, Photo by Shutterbouy Photography on Unsplash, Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash, Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash, Photo by Wout Vanacker on Unsplash, Photo by Koshu Kunii on Unsplash, Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash, Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi, on Unsplash, Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash, Photo by Paweł Czerwiński on Unsplash, Photo by KTMD ENTERTAINMENT on Unsplash