As believers, we are described as the Body of Christ. Many members and abilities, different cultures and languages, various talents and interests, still we are called the Body. It does not matter the interpretation, denomination or lack thereof. It makes no difference how many ministries, members, locations and services we have, we remain one Body.
In fact, our ability to operate as one Body is used as Jesus’ evidence. He uses us as part of his case and claim. Jesus says that it is in our ability to be one as he and the Father are one that proves that he was sent by God and that God loves us just as He loves him (John 17.23). Our unity demonstrates this.
So why then, the separation? Though called to be indivisible and inseparable, having the same Lord, faith and baptism (Ephesians 4.5), we continue to allow race to come between us and at the cost of Christ’s image and credibility. Does it not matter that we are to show God’s love to the world?
Today, I am wondering how the house of God, the very temple of the Holy Spirit justifies its participation in relating to persons according to the social construct of race. How do people of faith explain being bound by the flesh? What of Christ’s words do we remember or have we forgotten him altogether?
When we practice racism, judge persons based on stereotypes or justify Sunday morning segregation, is Christ waving his arms wildly and saying, “Hey! Remember me?”