Read
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…
Philippians 3:20
Reflect
America’s racial history is more than checkered — it’s shameful. Within 20 years of the arrival of European explorers, both indigenous Indians and imported Africans were being forced into slavery in the New World. When America achieved independence from Great Britain in 1783, that didn’t extend to enslaved people.
It wasn’t until the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 that slaves were declared free in the eyes of the United States government. And it wasn’t until July 28, 1868, with the passage of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution that all people born in the United States — regardless of their skin color — were considered citizens with full rights and privileges. Of course, that didn’t prevent racism and discrimination. Civil rights legislation and Supreme Court cases have helped to remedy the effects of those, but racism is the result of sin, and unfortunately, sin will always be with us.
America’s slaves might not have been citizens of this country, but so many of them embraced a faith in Christ, which made them citizens of a place where everyone receives true justice. For many of them, the hope of the next life was one of the only things that kept them moving forward. It’s been that way with oppressed people throughout history. Christianity thrived in the Roman Empire, just as it has secretly in places such as Communist nations that overtly oppress all religions, and especially Christianity. The Christian message of hope is a beacon for those who are downtrodden and oppressed.
Paul reminds us that, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21) Regardless of how horrible things might be in this life, there is a better one that awaits us in a place where we all will have equal citizenship. The knowledge that we are all equal there and in the Lord’s eyes should lead us to treat each other with love and fairness here on Earth. But at the very least, we can all look forward to a day in eternity where racism, prejudice and discrimination will truly be a thing of the past.
In the here and now, be a part of the solution each day. Remember that all of your Christian brothers and sisters share your heavenly citizenship and that the Lord loves all people equally. Make sure that every person you encounter receives an equal share of the Lord’s love from you.
Reflection copyright © 2024 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
