There is no question that racism exists. It may not be as dangerous or as difficult as it was back in our grandparents and parents day, but it can still be painful. Racism can lead to isolationism, where different races do not live near each other or even worship with each other. This may create a sense of immediate gratification but the long-term results are a divided nation, divided neighborhoods and even divided churches. God’s Word is clear: this leads to a nation, neighborhood, church that will not stand (Matthew 12:25). In order words, they will soon be destroyed. Such division encourages hate, evil and malice which then gives Satan a foothold (Ephesians 4:25-31). The long-term results are hateful and poisonous to everyone.
Will Norton, Jr., best-selling novelist, told a story about his best friend who died when he was 25, a few years after he had finished Mississippi State University. Will was in law school, when he received a call for him to meet his best friend for lunch. While eating lunch his best friend revealed to him that he had terminal cancer. Will asked, “What do you do when you realize that you re about to die?” His best friend told him that it was really simple. You get things right with God, and you spend as much time as you can with those you love. Then you settle up with everybody else.” Then he said, “You know, you ought to live every day like you have only a few more days to live.”
This story highlights Psalms 90:12; “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.” Life is not guaranteed (Ephesians 5:15-16), but we do know that we will live forever with each other in heaven. As believers who are being transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18) we should learn to live at peace despite the pain and frustration.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18)”. “So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Romans 14:19). “Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7).
