In the beginning, God created human beings “In His Image” (Genesis 1:26). The scriptures do not mention the color of their skin, therefore the word of God is telling us that the pigmentation God used to color His firstborn is irrelevant. We are to focus on their humanity and their relationship with God.
Copyright 2020 by H.D. Shively
In His Image
Later, different races began to develop from Noah’s lineage after the flood. The various colorations that God ordained to decorate humanity emerged. God does not make mistakes in His designing. What He has chosen to create, should be valued in respect to the Father’s preferences. He made all men equally in His image. Each is a beautiful reflection of their Creator, no matter what race they are, or what color God has chosen their skin to be.
It is obvious from observing creation that God likes variety. How boring would the world be if there was only one type of tree, insect, animal or flower? God wants us to value the diversity He has created, whether it is in nature or humankind. When we do that we are appreciating our Creator as well.
Racism in any form is an abomination. It is an indirect assault on our Creator, whether we realize it or not, especially for those who profess faith in Him.
The Apostle Peter said, “God has shown me not to call any man common or unclean” (Acts 10:28).
A person who looks down upon anyone because of the color of their skin or their race, is operating in direct opposition to God’s will and purposes. In other words, he is sinning.
When Moses married the Ethiopian woman, whose skin was several shades darker than his own, Moses’ family objected to his interracial union. God’s displeasure at their lack of acceptance, caused Moses’ sister, Miriam, to be punished for a time with a bout of leprosy.
As she watched her own skin change in response to her bigotry, she was brought to an understanding of how harboring animosity toward anyone of a different race can instigate God’s displeasure.
We are admonished in the scriptures to “love one another.” We are told by the Apostle John that anyone who harbors hatred in his heart to someone is in darkness (I John 2:9). “He that loves not knows not God; for God is love” (I John 4:8).
We are shown in God’s word, that if we do not forgive, God will not forgive us and we will negate our salvation (Matthew 6:14,15). Bigotry is a form of unforgiveness. When we cannot forgive someone’s color so to speak, and accept them because they are different from ourselves, we are sliding into this category and endangering our position with God.
When Jesus returns we all will face Him at His judgment (Matthew 25: 31-46). It is here our actions, thoughts and deeds will be revealed before Him. This is where He tells us that what we have done or not done to others will have eternal ramifications. Because it is here that He reveals to us that He was the black man that was lynched, the Asian that was ostracized, the poor, the widow and the orphan that were neglected; because He has told us that that “If you have done it to one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it to Me “ (Matthew 25:40).
This is an important fact to implant in our hearts now before we are transported into eternity.
As we sit in contemplation under our stained glass windows, let’s remember what the word of God tells us He wants His people to be. Sunday only piety won’t get us a passing grade on our final exam under Jesus’ righteous eyes.
All men are created equal, in His precious image.
Love one another.