This note was written in responce to a chapel I attended at Biola University where I plan on attending next spring. This note is in no way intended to slander Biola but to approach this stirred up craze of "racial conflict" that the body of Christ so frequently entertains...enjoy!
It’s Chapel, 9:30 a.m. in the Calvary Chapel building. Three students begin the service with prayer and two worships songs, one in English and one in Spanish. After that three different students individually take the stage and give their testimony as a student of a particular race. One was African-American, one was Hispanic, and the third Caucasian.
Forgive me in advance if I use a term to identify a particular race that isn’t considered to be “politically correct”. My intentions are the purest. As the students were speaking one topic that the minority races both discussed was the desire to be treated entirely like anyone else. No special attention, no special treatment, nothing more or less than the average white kid. I imagine this desire is consistent throughout all races across campus, at least it should be. I would expect nothing less than the utmost in respect delivered to and from fellow students regardless of their racial background. However, in what way are we granting students of various races the equality and “normal life” that they desire by having these services? How is it not special treatment to specify multiple days out of the year and furthermore substituting chapel (a time to sing praises to God and meditate on his Word) to recognize them and talk about how we can treat them better? I can’t escape the thought that these behaviors are counter-productive to equal opportunity and to the desires that these students have so clearly communicated. At the same time though I approach the minorities and hold their feet to the fire by asking them why we have BSA (Black Student Association), BASA (Biola Asian Student Association), Korean Association of Biola, Hispanic clubs etc. You’re creating the very source of what you denounce! Question, would I be in good state to start a “white club”? I think not! I would permanently be labeled a racist…but why? Why am I now the racist when we clearly have a whole list of race-specific clubs on campus? This is hypocrisy, affectation and a deceitful means of attention seeking on many parts.
So what is the solution? Simple…
A little background on me before I continue... My name is John Reid. Biola is kind of in my family having a sister and two aunts who’ve graduated from here. I’m a prospective student as well but have been an active duty Marine for the past six years. The last four of which I’ve spent attached to a Presidential security detail out of Washington D.C. This duty has given me the opportunity to travel inter-state as well as internationally where ever the president goes. I co-lead the college/career group at my Church and have a passion for missions. My plans right now are to major in Philosophy then go to Talbot. I want to pursue a career in ministry. What in particular? Not sure…I want to write and speak so the combination of those in ministry…sigh…time/God will tell.
Anyways, the solution…
As stated above I’m a leader in the church and very well understand the complexity and energy it takes to manage programs for students therefore I can relate to what all goes into creating these “racial reconciliation” events. My friends, if we channeled all of this energy and effort towards learning how to live like Christ then all of the pieces (including racism) will surely fall into place! If we practice the fruits of the spirit and earnestly seek righteousness to the point where we have no other desire but to emulate the life of Christ then these issues of racism won’t need to be addressed! Do you see where we’ve substituted growth and development in righteousness for generic subjects that shouldn’t be an issue for Christ followers!? “But they are issues for Christ followers” one would say. Well, yea because we’ve fallen away from good old Bible teaching and accountability! I can’t stress enough that daily devotion to prayer and scripture will boost your walk with the Lord and will allow no less than the spirit of God to be evident in our every day lives. This is the real issue folks. Quit your race-specific clubs, quit complaining about racism, quit being racist and remember that regardless of race, nationality, cultural background etc. we all belong to one club and that is the Kingdom of God. How about we claim that club and do everything we can to ensure it is NOT secluded but that all can learn how to join!
Be Blessed my siblings in Christ!
John
Philippians 1:9-11"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
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