If you’re a sports fan, tune in tonight to watch Game 6 of the 2017 World Series. Regardless if you like baseball or not, this Fall Classic has been one of the best sporting events EVER. Great pitching, clutch hitting, teams with players you can relate to and stories of last minute heroics in extra inning comebacks. This World Series has been great entertainment and is a true representation of life and the human condition in 2017…including a struggle with racism.
In a game that unites cultures, generations, sexes and races we are reminded that deep within us all there is a remnant of division called racism. ‘America’s favorite pastime’ has reminded us there is a seed of division in each of us that can never be ignored and forgotten (Yuli Gurriel of the Astros racial gesture towards Yu Darvish of the Dodgers). Regardless of how tired we are of hearing the word racism, Christians must live out the teachings of Christ and set the example.
The world has been dealing with racism for thousands of years. When the first church was starting to grow and expand, the disciples had to confront their own racism. Jews tried to cement their racist hearts into laws. When speaking to a group of Romans, Peter reminded his audience about racism. “He said to them, ‘You are well aware that it is against our laws for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.'” Acts 10:28. Thank God America doesn’t have such a law! That should be reason enough to stand and celebrate when the national anthem is played.
Whether or not at any given time each of us gives into the anger, animosity or hatred that can spring out of our hearts depends on if our focus is on God or man. Peter continued his testimony of transparency about his own life. “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.'”Acts 10:34-35. Peter confessed to the Roman soldier that God set the example he should follow, and it took him a while to learn it. As Christians, if we forget to focus on God and the example He set by sending Christ for ALL men, we are at risk of falling into the trap and sin of racism.
Without Christ as our daily focus, our good intentions can still allow us to entertain all sorts of evil thoughts and our thoughts turn into actions. It may only be a matter of time until you forward that email talking about how black leaders and culture are causing their own problems. Maybe a cheerleader takes a knee without remembering that somewhere in the NFL players protest is the belief that white policemen are targeting black men more than whites. The latest racial confrontation on American soil is between a Cuban and a Japanese (Gurriel is Cuban born and Darvish is Japanese). The World Series has served to remind us that racism isn’t a black-white or American issue, its a world wide heart issue that only God can cure.
Racial division is a symptom of the heart issue. A Christ follower must stay focused and connected with the Holy Spirit to avoid falling into hypocrisy. Believers of all races must unite to represent the Kingdom and are called to a higher standard of living. Christians have to set the example with their words and actions. Jesus saw the discrepancies between words and actions in his day as well. He spoke boldly to those proclaiming to be pious when he said,
“You hypocrites. Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain:
their teachings are but rules by men.’
Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean’, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.” Matthew 15:8-11.
If we call ourselves Christians, we must look in the mirror and acknowledge the seed and history of racism in the world and not just American culture. If you are a believer, it is imperative to study the Word, hang out with like minded believers and don’t fall into the racist trap of the world. Without a daily reminder from God’s perspective, good people can fall prey to the age old evil of racism. Christians must lead by example and go to their source for direction. A short passage in Acts served to remind me.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.’ Hebrews 4:12.
Since the Braves aren’t playing, I’m fine with whoever wins tonight. The game is a beautiful way to spend a few hours, relax, slow down and watch the struggles of the human condition as portrayed through sports. These guys are talented and gifted but they are men just like you and me. They represent the good and the bad in man. I choose to focus on the good and what the Holy Spirit can teach me through the game.
It took a Christ follower to set the example in the culture 2000 years ago…it still does. Play ball.