For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.” vss. 14-15
Ephesians 3:14-17
For those who were accustomed to living under a patriarchal system it was very natural to think of God as “Father.” And although in our more egalitarian world the word seems limiting, we need to look beyond the usage to the underlying truth, which in this case is plain. Everyone of us, all persons on this earth, are a part of one family, and no one folk or nation of us has any claim to superiority or privilege.
Unfortunately that’s not how we’ve lived! Instead particular races have clung to primitive and hateful notions of prestige and power, while judging and marginalizing others totally because of the color of their skin or their national origin. And what’s sadder still is that such notions have been internalized and passed on–as a result too many children have grown up with a sense of privilege based totally on race, and the lie has been perpetuated through successive generations. What a blessing it has been for followers of Jesus to lead the way in breaking down racial barriers and battling long standing injustices! There is simply no place in the human family for racial prejudice or gender discrimination. We are all one in Christ, and there are to be no distinctions, no matter how deep-seated or widespread they may be.
Thought for the Day: What prejudices have I discovered in myself?
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