Christian, set your mind on things above
Christian, let me encourage you to seek to have the mind of Christ as you engage with the issues of the last few days. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Paul Tripp says that you only have two choices in which to think or use your mind, you can set your mind on things of this earth or you can set them on things above.
On earth thinking is all about right here and right now with no scope of eternity, no scope of others, no scope of the Gospel. On earth thinking takes the events of the last few days and creates division, it takes sides, and it seeks to create division instead of unity. An above way of thinking on the other hand looks at life from the vantage point of the grand redemptive story and more specifically from the perspective and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Paul Tripp). An above way of thinking leads us to speak out against the injustices experienced by our African American brothers and sisters because God’s word calls us to. It calls us to view all life as valuable and worthy because we were created in the image of God. It also calls us to think through each issue through the lens of the Gospel and the scope of eternity.
An above way of thinking absolutely allows us to declare that black lives matter and at the same time mourn for the loss of the men and women who laid down their lives to protect others gathered in a peaceful assembly. An above way of thinking keeps us from pitting the two against each other. An above way of thinking allows us to have compassion and enter into grieving with and mourning for one another though we may not understand. An above way of thinking is led by compassion and not by cause and effect.
African American Christians, I am sorry for the silence. We are standing in solidarity to say that we hear you, we see you, and we are with you. We are praying for you that you would be strengthened and find your hope in the Gospel as we walk forward together. I am praying for a better day and seeking to better understand how I can step up and speak out.
White Christians, reach out to the African American people you know. Let them know that you are standing with them, that you love them, that are praying and moving toward change. Listen but also speak in the areas that you have influence to other white people. Consider it an honor to be ridiculed for your stance because it is rooted in God’s truth.
Law enforcement officials and civil servants, thank you for protecting us. I know that the majority of you desire to serve and protect selflessly. We are sorry for the loss of your brothers and sisters. We are praying for you under this immense pressure and tension that is building in our country. I am personally praying that you would have boldness to speak up against injustice when you see it and seek to bring peace and not violence. Thank you for your selfless service.
Church, in this time we must set our minds on things above and be obedient to the call to be the church. We have to begin with prayer but we must also act. Begin to pray and seek the Lord on how you must act to be an agent of Gospel change in our country. Let’s be the church and not just talk about it. Let’s put feet on the love of Christ and not just let it stand in theory.