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Monday, January 19, 2015
The scales of color and character
On August 28, 1963, Baptist minister Martin Luther King, Jr., stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and proclaimed: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This is a very Christian principle. In Acts 10, the Apostle Peter received a vision from the Lord that showed him “What God has cleansed, that call not thou common.” This means what Peter said in Acts 10:34, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” The fiery words used these days to describe leadership in government are often characterized as racist, when in effect they are born of truth.
Part of the problem is that many people believe that when criticism is aimed at people of a certain race or ethnicity that it indicates racism. Certainly, God only knows the heart of the person leveling the criticism. But before the race card is played, perhaps those hearing the criticism should investigate the veracity of the charges. Another Biblical principle is that “the truth shall make you free.” Former President Bill Clinton grabbed some headlines years ago when he said that words have meaning and that we all need to mind our words when passionately arguing our positions. But then, he went on to imply that anyone disagreeing with the current regime was akin to the Oklahoma City bomber. Character matters, right?
Indeed, supporters of the occupant of the Oval Office often characterize criticism as racism. Further, if one passionately disagrees with his agenda, it is not only racists, but also an act of sedition. And one step more, if one disagrees because of a belief that the leadership is ungodly, then you are considered a possible religious terrorist. Case in point: Time columnist Joe Klein on April 18th’s, “The Chris Matthews Show” said that “sedition” is defined as “a revolt or an incitement to revolt against established authority.” He then all but accused Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck of sedition. Klein further said that racism and fears about the economy were motivators of the criticism.
Truth is: Both of our most recent presidents reflect poorly on American Christians. Both George W Bush and the current “president” believe there is more than one way to heaven. Both pressured Israel to split its nation in two parts, giving land to proven terrorists. One took a hard public stand against abortion, but did nothing to stop government funding of Planned Parenthood. The other continues to open the floodgates of abortion and calls blessings onto Planned Parenthood. There are many other examples where America’s leadership has been weighed in the balance and has been found wanting. Character has no color or political party. Our standards should reflect those of God, then so would our leadership.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
For God’s Glory Alone Ministries thanks Bill Wilson and www.dailyjot.com