City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

“10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord…”

Ephesians 3:10-11

Reflection

The “manifold wisdom of God” to which the Apostle Paul refers here is God’s strategy through the atonement to break down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile so that all can have access to the higher calling of reconciliation to God in Christ. See Ephesians 3:6 (“to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,…”). 

Now, I recognize these two verses aren’t primarily about racism, but there is an inference to be drawn from these verses that pertains to racism, and that is that Jesus is not just the answer to man’s religious separation from God but man’s racial separation from man. The basis for elimination of that racial separation is that all racial groups inherit through Jesus, and in doing so all become members of the same body, and that in Jesus all will receive the same promises. (Ephesians 3:6).

Racial reconciliation is definitely part of the gospel package, but here is the thing, that manifold wisdom is made known through the church, meaning through Christians. So, if God’s wisdom on breaking down racial barriers is going to be implemented in the world, it has to come through Christians, and if Christians don’t do it, it won’t be manifested. As long as churches are segregated along racial lines, the world will be segregated along racial lines. 

Application

It is embarrassing to admit that the workplace, not the local church, has become the primary racial melting pot. The world is smart enough to see this and recognize the opportunity to attempt to solve the problem of racism. Diversity and inclusion programs are their primary solutions. And such programs can raise awareness and change behavior. They are good things. But they can only go so far. Racism is, at its core, a heart problem, and only Jesus truly changes hearts.

Of course, on this issue I am preaching to the choir; City Life Church is probably the most diverse church in Houston. You are leading. You are solving the problem. Or rather, God is making known through City Life Church His solution to racism, and that solution is seen in a diverse people who voluntarily choose to worship together each Sunday and walk together throughout the week.

Prayer

Lord, help me to manifest Your wisdom as part of the solution of racial reconciliation in the world. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.