Pride and Prejudice

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28 (ESV)

Bob Dylan was right when he penned the song, “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”

From electric cars to artificial intelligence, rapid change occurs before our eyes. But some things take longer to change. Despite making progress as a society toward eliminating the evil of prejudice, we still experience its detrimental impact.

Prejudice is an opinion that we hold that is not based on fact, reason, or actual experience. The world is full of prejudice. From the halls of Congress to the halls of schools and the halls of our homes, we cannot presume that our hearts are not also filled with prejudice. But that is not what God wants for you to hold in your hearts.

Prejudice is a bias you hold against individuals you do not know. It permeates your thoughts, and impacts your relationships, family, business and church community. You and I both, to some degree, are affected by its pervasive influence.

This is why the Bible reminds you in Galatians that your position in Christ is equal with the position in Christ of all believers, everywhere. In the eyes of your Savior, no person is better or worse than another. You must confess and turn from your tendencies toward pride and prejudice.

The removal of unhealthy and damaging prejudice begins by adjusting your view: You must be willing to look through the lens of Christ. What does Christ think of that person, that situation, or that cultural viewpoint? Jesus indeed calls out sin when He sees it, but He also dines with sinners, welcomes tax collectors, and heals the possessed.

Jesus welcomes and loves people with whom you might never associate. But if you view your world through His lens, you will have taken your first and best step to ensure prejudice is not lingering in your heart and corrupting your community.

Prayer: God, thank You for the diversity of race, thought, and preference in Your creation. Help me value all people the way You do. Remind me that prejudice divides humanity, and that through Christ we can be one. In Jesus’ name, amen.