Dear Trekker,
Two things have dominated my thinking in recent days. The first has flooded our American culture for well on 50 years. It goes by the political name, affirmative action. The second is the revolutionary action in the first century A.D. which unified people (Jew and Gentile) as no other thing had before, nor since, for that matter. It is the heart of the Gospel, which is the cornerstone of unity for all people, then and today. I will seek this month to lay these two concepts side-by-side, and see what we can learn, together.
Affirmative action is the legislative action and practice of giving certain US citizens select advantages because of alleged or actual grievances against them (by other citizens). Fifty years ago school busing was a popular affirmative action by government entities. It is generally accepted as a failure to bring about desired results. Equally a companion in the educational system of our country has been the quota system in college admittance. Neither of these practices have had success in giving equal opportunities or raising educational standards across the board.
Unfortunately, unearned privilege denies other citizens opportunities based on merit, the traditional educational differentiator. The same principle applies to hiring practices in employment. For one non-competitive acknowledgment and selection, another must suffer a denial and non-acceptance. For one benefit, another must suffer. It is worse…it’s a form of condescension leading to potential damage to the unqualified and suggesting future success is dependent on others rather than oneself. (As a retired military man, I was always thankful the military of my day sought to be a meritocracy. Now, looking afresh at certain practices and coached by younger military family members, I am not so sure past standards apply today.)
Affirmative action has not produced positive results across the board. Most US citizens who have prospered have done it the old-fashioned way: 1) seize the opportunity at hand, 2) work hard relentlessly, and 3) know instinctively one can persevere and overcome, overtime. Racial rescue was not the answer in any case. For sure, greater unity has not been achieved in a country that has done more in the history of mankind to eliminate “systematic racism” than any other…and fought a Civil War to prove it. Disunity in the culture and riots in the cities are causing fear among the populace…affirmative action is not the answer. Victimhood is not the answer. We need purification of national character in the midst of ever expanding racial diversity.
How do we replace hate with love? In the first century, it had to come from an outside source. Jewish culture was steeped in laws and discrimination against anyone who was not a Jew! Not too much different than the historic “clash of civilizations.” You are “in” or “out.” Like “critical race theory” seeks to define today’s world simply and precisely…but equally sieve prone under examination. How do we come together?
Answer, only when an outside force breaks through! My thoughts on point #2 this month dawned on me in my daily reading in the book of Acts, specifically chapter 10. (Trekker, read it now before going forward in this month’s MEN.)
The story of Cornelius, the centurion, and the apostle Peter is a classic historical example of how a culture can be changed. We might call it “affirmative action, Jesus style.” Let’s note the steps for change: 1) Cornelius was a “God-fearer” and prayer! God may work when citizens in a culture pray and fear (respect) Him, turning to an outside source for solution, 2) Before true changes can occur, leadership must learn lessons. Hate and victimhood never produce needed change. Jews hated Gentiles, no less than current hate exists in the citizenry of our country. God‘s favor extends only to Jews! (“white privilege” extends only to the white majority!). But God loves and died for all. He plays no favorites…oh, the beauty of John 3:16. Peter’s outlook had to be changed. He needed to view Gentiles as not the enemy…hence, the dream repeats. Peter had to unlearn the traditions and prejudices of a lifetime and a culture. Is it not applicable today for some of our citizenry? 3) Cornelius and Peter met expectantly, peacefully and hospitably. Can it not be true for leadership in our era? In the most amazing way, barriers can begin to come down, leading to acceptance of each other, as Christ in love accepted each of us (Romans 5:8).
Trekker, in the first century it was characteristic of Christianity to break down barriers! It has been true throughout history. There is unity and forgiveness at the foot of the cross…grace covers all sin and empowers us through the Holy Spirit, to forgive others. 4) Jesus Christ was God’s gift to the world by way of the Jewish nation, equipped with the Holy Spirit and with power to produce change. God was not motivated by anger (because man had sinned) but by love. We must solve real problems likewise. 5) Jesus Christ was a healer of social disorder. He brought people together. His love and forgiveness prescribe the clue to social healing. 6) Finally, in any era, forgiveness for each other’s sins is the secret to unity and bonding relationship with God and man! When we apply God’s solution, hostility, hate and anger dissipate and dissolve. Only through Jesus is friendship /relationship restored. Man tries every means to solve estrangement; nothing works but Jesus (John 14:6).
Some closing thoughts, Trekker: 1) We are truly one nation under God only in the Spirit, in the Lord! There is no plan B!, 2) The key is speaking (action) the truth “in love” (Eph 4:15). We only achieve unity and harmony as an outgrowth of love, and love can only come from God as a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-26).
Trekker, these are tough times for our country. The ship of state is sailing through troubled waters. Don’t expect much unity if God does not dramatically intervene in US leadership, somehow, someway. Satan has gained an unprecedented foothold destroying foundations of truth and recorded history. A duped and sycophantic media and educational establishment are pitiful lackeys.
I’ll close with the lyrics, In Christ Alone.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
Your friend,
Jim Meredith
