What the Bible Really Says About Privilege, Access, & Justice
This blog is typically about digital media, hybrid marketing, and building audiences. Not about my faith. But while my faith is personal, it is a very public one. And this piece, which I published in my church’s mid-week newsletter, is the most important thing I wrote this week. I edited some wording, some formatting, but otherwise, it’s exactly the same.
If you’re a Christ-follower yourself, I hope you’re blessed. If you’re not, you’re welcome to email me at roxine[at]roxinekee.com for any questions or clarification.
A short message before we dive in: I usually write about web3, creativity, and the creator economy. If these interest you, you’ll probably enjoy my weekly newsletter. Subscribe below to get more posts, or check out previous editions to “try before you buy”.
Hi everyone,
This week we were supposed to feature a second TCCC story. But we didn't feel that it was appropriate to share our happy quarantine stories, without acknowledging the stories of hurt, violence, and hate around us.
We encourage you to understand in your heads and hearts what is happening. Canada’s history of racism against indigenous people and Chinese people allows us to empathize with the depths of the hurt caused by racism and division towards black people.
In today’s email, we challenge you to do more than just post black squares on social media. We challenge you to use our privilege as children of God to use our direct access to God to intercede for those who are hurting.
And to remind both oppressed and oppressors, that the ultimate Judge has already died for all of us.
As God’s children we have the privilege of direct access to Him
Beyond the privilege brought about by being white or non-black people of colour, we have the privilege of being right with God. This privilege is not how the world views "privilege". It doesn’t make us better people. It just means we’re aware of our sin and we’re saved from it.
We have the responsibility to use our privilege to intercede for others
This unique privilege gives us direct access to the God of the universe and His Judge, Jesus Christ. It is our responsibility to pray for reconciliation and to intercede for those who are hurting.
We must ask of God for those who do not know how to ask, or what to ask; to beg God for mercy; to remind Him how much He loves His world.
We have the responsibility to introduce others to the Judge (and Saviour)
…not just to “fight injustice” with our own hands.
This is the church’s role in difficult times: We stand with those who are oppressed and use what privilege we have to do that. But more importantly, we remind people of God’s justice. Not our own. We point people to the One who judges and saves, the same One who will make all things right in the end.
No matter how painful the events that are happening around the world, and the seeming injustice that we see, let's remember that the worst tragedy in the world is a soul that spends eternity away from God.
Remember that God is a God of all nations. He is the Lord who wishes to bring all peoples to His fold. Along with the privilege of being co-heirs in His kingdom, He has also given us The Great Commission — “to make disciples of all nations.”
To be Christ-like means to walk alongside others who do not look like us and to show them God's kingdom
Take a look at John 4 and read about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.
He showed her the possibility of having a relationship with Someone who knew her and accepted her for who she is.
When faced with the Samaritan woman, Jesus the Jewish rabbi looked beyond what she thought she needed (water from the well) and gave her what her soul wanted -- living water that freed her from sin.
Just like everyone who "drinks this water will thirst again," anyone who tries to fight for justice in this day and age (or social justice, as we call it) will always be disappointed.
But if we base our actions on showing others a way into God's kingdom, “whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never thirst. But the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
Finally, we want to encourage you with this passage about Jesus Christ from Hebrews 4:12-16. This is for those of you who feel hurt and angry. And maybe for some of you who do not know what to think or feel:
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.