Dousing the Fires of Hatred

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"The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch." (Acts 11:26) Antioch seems so long ago and far away.

The front page of the newspaper makes this even more so. "Rash of Church Fires Reaches Texas" was our headline. The picture accompanying the headline showed Chester Thomas, the black minister of New Light House of Prayer standing in the charred remains of his church building. "This is the work of the devil," he said. He is right.

Christians became known as Christians for the first time in Antioch. Antioch was the first place where average church folks tore down the racial barriers and came together in one loving family. It didn't matter what your race was, it didn't matter where you were from, all that mattered was that you followed Jesus. If you did, you were family. It's not surprising this is the first group of Jesus' called by his name: CHRIST-ians!

The burning of black southern churches is not a black/white issue: it's a heaven vs. hell issue and a good vs. evil issue. In a world society filled with more and more prejudice, we are witnessing more and more violence fueled by ethnic and racial hatred. Anyone involved in racial hatred and violence cannot claim the name of Christian.

Different groups, like Promise Keepers, are trying to "Tear Down the Walls" that divide believers in Christ, especially racial and ethnic walls. But as the modern Christian church seeks to return to its roots at Antioch, Satan will do everything in his power to keep it from happening. In the U.S. it will be black vs. white. In Europe it will be Serbs vs. Croats vs. Bosnians. Pick your region and you'll find the devil's work in dividing people with hate and prejudice.

What can we do to douse the fires of hatred? First, never have a part in ethnic or racial slurs or joking. They're insulting, degrading and ungodly. Second, do not patronize those who you know are prejudicial in their service, treatment of others, or in their hiring practices. Third, get involved in a group that reaches across racial lines to do good work at redeeming your city or neighborhood. Working together is the best way to tear down the walls of suspicion and hatred. Community groups are great. Church cooperative groups are even better. If you need a place to start, begin with Promise Keepers in your area and find out what they are doing to tear down the racial barriers which separate us. Fourth, pray and get your church to pray, for racial harmony. Pray that God will reveal how prejudice clouds your own view of others. Pray that these horrible crimes against black churches will stop and those involved will be brought to justice. Pray for ways to help bridge the widening chasm between races in our own country. Pray for your church to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Pray for a return of Jesus' church to the spirit of Antioch.

In the book of Revelation (7:9-10), one of John's visions reveals God's dream for his church. "There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language ... and they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God.'" Until that day comes, let's try to help our churches return to Antioch and help douse the fires of hatred.

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