Attacks on African Americans are at an unprecedented high. In the past, systematic and institutionalized racist policies, laws and practices were the norm. Our history is one of being attacked, ridiculed and demeaned by society. However, our young males are now attacking each other, and at alarming rates in a violent manner. Chi-Raq is alive and well! So brothers, I ask you, “What is the answer?”
While a deep intellectual and passionate discussion may generate possible solutions, the one I am convinced will work is when we unite together and call on “The Force”, the supernatural power we Christian men have been endowed with. Those who encourage, and those who need encouragement, can come together and through our mutual faith and actions, we can address some of the societal burdens placed upon us. And, on a more personal note, we can learn how faith and prayer can help us deal with our own personal needs and challenges in life. We can evolve into and serve as role models for our young men.
As a young African American male raised by a single father, my twin brother and I have always been blessed to see upfront and personal what happens when God fearing Christian men unite. We also had the opportunity and privilege to attend an all-male college, Morehouse, where once again we saw powerful men of God coming together to worship, pray, and do God’s work.
Elijah, one of my favorite Biblical prophets, comes to mind. Elijah, a servant of God, was sent by God to rebuke King Ahab for worshipping and leading the Israelites to worship a false god. It was through faith that Elijah trusted God to demonstrate how He was the one true God. What at first glance may seem surprising was that after the Showdown on Mount Carmel, Elijah’s faith shifted to fear. He showed weakness and vulnerability when King Ahab’s wife Jezebel threatened his life. But, God in His faithfulness, provided and protected Elijah despite his shift from faith to fear. What I am trying to say is simply this: God works when we are faithful. And, God’s power even works when we are fearful! Why? Because God has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and God always keeps every promise He has made.
The notion of faith may seem nebulous to some. However, it is real and it has power. Examples of triumph abound in Biblical stories as well as everyday people in our modern times. Faith coupled with Kingdom focused action, can turn something that seems impossible, into the possible.
We all work at something or somewhere. The variety of the types of work we all do is numerous. We work at our corporate or government jobs; we work in industries that serve others, we work in our family life, etc. We do lots of work! But the most important work we can do is God’s Kingdom work. We must be men on assignment. We must use our faith and Kingdom centered actions to make what the faithless would deem impossible, but the faithful see as definitely possible. And many times, the result can surprise us and make our faith stronger.
Assignment…Problem...Solution. If we approach our circumstances with these three themes in mind, we have a framework for how to make a change or a difference in life.
For example, in Mark 2:1-12, the story of how Jesus healed the crippled man demonstrates this approach.
The Assignment: Get the crippled man healed by Jesus.
The Problem: There was a crowd of people in and around the house that Jesus was in, which prevented the four people carrying the crippled man from getting near Jesus.
The Solution: They made a hole in the roof of the house above Jesus, and let the man down in front of everyone.
The Resolution: Jesus saw how much faith they had in his ability to heal the crippled man, and the extraordinary measures they went through to get the crippled man to Him. Jesus not only forgave him of his sins, he demonstrated for those who questioned his authority to forgive sins, that he had that authority and more. He told the crippled man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.” The crippled man did as Jesus said and WALKED out. All there were in amazement and praised God.
In summary, this story shows that we all have problems. And more importantly, it shows that through faith, our problems can be solved. The first step is to admit that we have problems and stop trying to cover it up so others will think all is well with us. As soon as you identify and admit you have a problem, actions can be started to resolve it. You may think the problem is insurmountable, but through our collective faith, the problem can be resolved. Maybe not in the way you expect, but in God’s way and in His time, which is always better.
The solution to the issues that plague many African American men may not be easy and may not come quickly. However, when Christian men come together, united in worship and prayer, we can have a “showdown” for God’s work in our homes, in our cities, and in our country, instead of “showdown” of violence in our streetsSo, meet me for a Kingdom Showdown!
Pastor Kelon Duke
Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood