I was at the gym the other day and while working out, I was watching some of the other people that were going thru their workout routine. There was a good mix of people there: old, young, middle-age, male, female, black, white, latino, asian and middle eastern. I'm glad that things have changed. No longer are we segregated into classes, races, ethnicities or genders.
As recent as 50-years ago, the civil rights movement started in the United States. Less than 50 years ago, you wouldn't find blacks and whites sharing a gym, a water fountain or a locker room. I'm so glad that things have changed and that there has been considerable movement away from such a segregated society.
As I was working out, I realized that I walked past a black guy, smiled, and said "how you doin'?" and he responded in kind. It was a pleasant interchange. Just like it should be.
But then I noticed another guy. This guy was of middle eastern descent. He was putting himself thru a very, very rigorous frenetic routine. He was in great shape. He was doing things with his body, stretches, lifts, etc that were simply amazing. However, you wanna know what went thru my head? I thought, "I'll bet he's training for jihad and is a terrorist."
I told myself, "that's a horrible thought, you don't even know this guy. Why would you judge him so?" Then it dawned on me... Young middle eastern men have become the new black.
It wasn't too long ago that white people looked askance at black people (unfortunately some still do) and wonder what they were up to, wondering when they will be attacked. I observed this man and no one spoke to him. I wanted to but he was working out so hard and concentrating so much on his work out that he seemed as if he didn't know anybody else was around. Plus, in gyms, it's hard to talk to people because so many folks have MP3 players and aren't there to interact with others. I know that's no excuse but I didn't speak with him. I should have.
Later in my quiet time with God, I heard God clearly speak to me about my attitude about the middle eastern guy in the gym. He told me that my attitude was wrong and that it is sinful to judge people so. I had to repent of the sin of racism.
I long to be able to see people the way that God does.
His love extends to all people and I need to be a reflection of His love.
Judgmental attitudes are not Christ-like attitudes.
God hates racism.
As recent as 50-years ago, the civil rights movement started in the United States. Less than 50 years ago, you wouldn't find blacks and whites sharing a gym, a water fountain or a locker room. I'm so glad that things have changed and that there has been considerable movement away from such a segregated society.
As I was working out, I realized that I walked past a black guy, smiled, and said "how you doin'?" and he responded in kind. It was a pleasant interchange. Just like it should be.
But then I noticed another guy. This guy was of middle eastern descent. He was putting himself thru a very, very rigorous frenetic routine. He was in great shape. He was doing things with his body, stretches, lifts, etc that were simply amazing. However, you wanna know what went thru my head? I thought, "I'll bet he's training for jihad and is a terrorist."
I told myself, "that's a horrible thought, you don't even know this guy. Why would you judge him so?" Then it dawned on me... Young middle eastern men have become the new black.
It wasn't too long ago that white people looked askance at black people (unfortunately some still do) and wonder what they were up to, wondering when they will be attacked. I observed this man and no one spoke to him. I wanted to but he was working out so hard and concentrating so much on his work out that he seemed as if he didn't know anybody else was around. Plus, in gyms, it's hard to talk to people because so many folks have MP3 players and aren't there to interact with others. I know that's no excuse but I didn't speak with him. I should have.
Later in my quiet time with God, I heard God clearly speak to me about my attitude about the middle eastern guy in the gym. He told me that my attitude was wrong and that it is sinful to judge people so. I had to repent of the sin of racism.
I long to be able to see people the way that God does.
His love extends to all people and I need to be a reflection of His love.
Judgmental attitudes are not Christ-like attitudes.
God hates racism.
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