Transforming A Prejudice

From Henry’s Desk

“ … be transformed by the renewing of your mind” 

(Ro 12:1-2, NIV)

I have a problem with a few of the “theys” in this world. One of the “theys” I have a problem with are poodles.  Now I know folks who have poodles love them, and I am glad that they do. However, having had a couple of them get excited and pee either on me or folks I know, I am not real trusting of poodles. Therefore I have put the whole breed into the “they” category over the action of a few. 

Now if we want to get honest, we would have to admit that we all not only do this with breeds, we do it with species, we do it denominations, and we do it with races.  We could even carry this into some more areas, but let’s stick here for now.

Some folks would put a whole race into a “they” category, because of color, creed, culture, or religion.  Now, as Christians, we know that is wrong as God tells us in His word we are not to be prejudice:

“A renewing in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all”  (Col 3:11, NASB)

 However, if a few from an identifiable category of people inadvertently make our life a little more difficult, we do have a tendency to mark them, letting the actions of a few cause us to put the whole batch into a “they” category.  The Word of God again has some direction for us here.  It says:

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. “  (Col 3:12-13, NASB)

Now, if we do find ourselves putting folks into a “they” category, we need to repent, forgive,  and get over it.  If we find ourselves not wanting to get over it, even feeling justified in it, then we need to remember that the Word of God also says:

“We love each other as a result of his loving us first. If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen? And God himself has commanded that we must love not only him but our Christian brothers and sisters, too.”  (1 John 4:19-21 NLT)