Arkansas State press. [volume] (Little Rock, Ark.) 1941-1959, 1944-11-03
THE CHRISTIAN AND THE RACE
PROBLEM

SOi4DEN iEAl-Of truth perceive
that God Is no respeeter Of persons; but
In every nation he that feareth Him. and
worketh righteousness. Is acceptable "a
Him.-Acts 1884. IS.
Now Is the time to really face the
race problem. II must be met, or
America will see more Of the re.
grettable hatred and violence which
has already showed itself.
The only satisfactory answer-the
only right answer-can be found in
the Word Of God. On Its principles
we must build in solving any prob
lem. and that Is especially true with
regard to the vital matter Of human
relationships.
How to Solve the Race Problem
!. Pray Qe:9.
So often we struggle and plan and
work, and last Of all we pray. That
should be the first thing, not the
last. II was as Peter prayed that he
saw clearly the need Of changed
attitude toward the Gentiles.
Doubtless some Gentiles would
also have changed attitude
toward the Jews. if they really
prayed about it. In fact, all Of our
preJudices based on race, creed, A.
nancial or social position would look
cheap and untenable If we prayed.
Conferences. efforts toward mu-
tual understanding, education of
children (and grown-ups). tolerance,
all these are good but let us not
forget to pray. and to do 1t first.
ii. Listen to Gods Word 40: 1910.
Peter had special vision, an I'M
usual revelation from God. We no
longer need such a direct commune
cation Of Gods plan and purpose, for
we have the written Word OF God,
and the Living Word has come in
the person of Christ.
What we need now is to read and
to hear the truth Of that Woodland
then to heed 1t. Everywhere in the
Bible we find the declaration OF
mans equal rights. We learn that
God hates discrimination or preju-
dice, that no nationality Is unclean
". l5) or unworthy of His grace and
Of our fellowship.
We know these things are In the
Book why do so many Of US fail
to listen to its message? We are
bound by 1t whether we listen or not.
so had we not better listen and
obey?
Ill. Be Governed by Gods Princi-
pies Q0:34, $50.
God Is no respecter Of persons.
Why are we? The expression liter.
ally means receiving a mans
face" that Is. judging or evaluating
him not by what he has proved him.
self to be. but by his outward ap-
pearance, the look on his face.
God Is interested In mans heart
and what Is in 1t Il Sam. l6:D. We
should do well to follow His lead
ing and not be controlled by the
dress. the race, or the position Of
4 man.
Note the basis Of acceptance with
God ". So, namely a right atti.
tude toward Him. No matter what
a mans color or race may be, the
grace Of God in Christ Jesus can
reach him, and bring him into &C
eeptance with God.
Nv. Recognize Gods Authority
Q7:24-26).
God made the world. He rules the
world and all that is in it, He is
above man, and il is He who gives
man the very breath Of life.
That being the case, we all stand
on the same level--we are equal be.
fore Him.
Everything God made was (and
Isl very good Gen. l:3D. That
means that He knows nothing In His
nature of one group being despised
and prosecuted by another group
self-designated as a master race.
All men are of one family ". 26).
It is Gods Word Let US believe it.
and be thoughtful and kind toward
the members OF our own family"
We all know how disgraceful family
fights are, and how they hurt. Could
Il possibly be any different in the
family OF God? Let's quit the bicker-
ing, and together work for Gods
glory We can do it--for we may
V. Count on Gods Nearness Q7:
q. 2S).
Sometimes children fight and
quarrel because they know father
and mother are away and will not
hear or punish Well. God Is not
far away He is nearer to US than
breathing, nearer than hands and
feet" In Him we land that means
all Of us) live ana move and have
our being"
He Is here; let US not act as
though He we're far away. But above
all let us recognize His nearness
as our life and strength. the One
who enables us to live as we should
with one another. We need His grace
for that purpose. Let us count on It,.
I'VE are all His offspring that is,
by creation. Then by Our sin and re.
bellion we made ourselves the
children Of disobedience" (Eph.
Sc; Titus 3!3). Bu( we may land