Start with Your Heart

Start With Your Heart
As we celebrate the life and work of Dr. King today, we know there is still much to be done. I’ve come to the conclusion that prejudice; particularly racial prejudice may be the world’s most prevalent sin. No matter where you go on this earth, somebody doesn’t like somebody else. You find that everywhere. And though it plays out in countless ways in our world daily, most people deny they have any prejudice. Friends, for us to advance racial reconciliation, we must first claim and confess our sins. All prejudice, racism, and hatred are rooted in the sinful human heart, they’re not just a skin problem, but a sin problem.
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Sadly, many have been raised to mistrust or stay away from those who are different from them. The fact is, we all feel most comfortable with people like ourselves. That’s human nature. But as Christians, we are new creations who must learn to see others the way God does. As Christ lives within us, he gives us His eyes to see and connect with others beyond our external appearances. We find commonalities based in the power of love – Christ’s love, which transcends all things. So where do we start? Well first, we must examine our hearts and confess any prejudices we may be harboring. David cried, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Today’s passage makes it clear, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1Samuel 16:7 NIV). For us to know someone’s heart, we must move past casual pleasantries to get to know them on a deeper, more personal level. We must ask questions and be good listeners. We must be empathetic and always err on the side of grace! Friends, advancing and sustaining Dr. King’s life-giving work is dependent on us! So, let us be the ones Dr. King referenced – the ones who have faith, to “be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together” to continue his work together. That work must always start with your heart!     
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg+

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