Better Together

Better Together
By Overseer Christopher J. Harris
This week's topic: Racial Reconciliation


Favoritism and partiality is deadly.

The cancer of favoritism has affected every area of American society. But one of its most deadly victims is God’s church.

Today’s church has allowed this deadly disease of favoritism to separate and divide among many lines, namely along racial lines. Sure, there are generational divides, denominational preferences, gender biases, political divides, class and economic gaps, and other social misalignments. But by far, the most deeply rooted and spiritual disruptive to God’s plan is racial and ethnic exclusivity.


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Acts 10:34 says, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”

This scripture is just as relevant today as it was on the day in which Peter spoke it. Jews and Gentiles were at odds with who could actually have relationship with God. God allowed both Peter and a guy named Cornelius to have visions that coincided with one another. Simply put – God showed both of them that racial, ethnic, and cultural distinctions were not as important as personal character and connection with your heart and God’s plan.

To be honest with you I realize that I am not of the generation that endured or experienced separate water fountains, encountered angry dogs, or awaken to see a cross burning in my yard on a regular basis. Nonetheless, we are still engaged in a real stronghold that has hampered what I believe is one of the final frontiers of the church. That is a harmonious body of believers that are willing to hit the pause button on some of its strongly held cultural preferences for the sake of an undeniable revival that impacts every cultural and racial group.

I was fortunate to live in the state of South Carolina for a couple of years. The day that I moved there was the same day that a major race issue was being addressed. It was quite an eye opener for me and a great life lesson. From the outside looking in, I was quickly learned how little either side was really listening the other. I also learned how little either side was willing to give up. This is harmful for many of today’s Civil Rights and Heritage groups on all sides of the argument. But it is totally disruptive to the kingdom when these two thought processes are brought into the church.

The goal of God’s church, without hesitation, is to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to share in such a way that convinces those that have not accepted Him as their personal Savior, to become compelled to do so. This gospel is clearly not just for one racial or cultural group.

The best quote and undeniably a mission statement that may guide all of us in our pursuit to share and embrace the gospel together with every race is Acts 10: 38, “God is no respecter of persons…” These six words transformed the early church in the Book of Acts and if embraced holistically will continue to transform today’s church.

I have seen people from various occupations lay aside their racial and cultural differences to pursue a common goal. I have observed students of different racial hues embrace their similarities to complete a class project. I have listened to panel discussions and read books in which a social platforms were pursued, irrespective of pigmentation, because there was a great cause. If work professionals, students, academicians and public intellectuals can pursue these common denominators, surely the power of Pentecost and the redemptive nature of the life of Jesus can bring us together to share this hope with the world.

So – what do we do? We must be intentional.

Literally, I believe the days of simply hosting summits, creating conversations, producing documentaries, and publishing books is no longer enough. In order to make progressive movement towards a goal of reconciliation, all of our efforts must be strategically intentional. Words and dreams must develop legs and arms that engage in mutual submission to embrace God’s plan for harmony.

We must also be inspiring. There is no misnomer here. Racial reconciliation is hard work. This work is also uncomfortable, draining, and most of all, can be brutal to historical legacies, egos, and racial traditions. But the strategically intentional efforts must be inspiring. A glimpse of the picture of churches that are operating in harmony within and without must be inspiring enough to keep everyone motivated and engaged enough to remain inspired to the cause.

Most of our work towards racial harmony and reconciliation has been more rhetorical than it has been real. I don’t really buy into the argument that I’ve heard of God being color blind as much as I firmly believe that God does not discriminate his blessings based on race. We all must simply decide – we are better together.

Scripture Of The Day: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” - Acts 10:34 (KJV)


Overseer Christopher J. Harris, a native of Palatka, Florida, currently serves as the Youth & College Pastor at Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise in North Carolina. He also serves as the International General Overseer of the Children & Youth Division for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. For more information, visit http://www.cedargrovetop.org.…