Ethnic Clashes on The Rise

It is happening again. But again, it's happening all the time. And this time is comes courtesy of Kenya in Africa where recently hundreds have died in ethnic clashes. Violence has spread across the troubled nation as enraged youths have done battle with police there. Reports claim that more than 900 have been killed since the elections amonth ago. Christians should take the opportunity to get involved by praying directly for this situation and others like it around the world.

But the Kenya uprising is a fresh reminder of what can occur when ethnic issues erupt and the flames of hatred are fanned. Most will recall the horrors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda when the struggle there between the Tutsis and Hutu tribes ended with nearly a million deaths.

At the core, ethnic tension is due to sin. But on the surface the conflicts rise because two cultures differ in their standards, goals, ideas and beliefs. And while this is notthe first or last time ethnic groups will bicker, battle, or kill, it is a striking and painful reminder of another epic struggle - one waged between 2 opposing sides whose differences go deeper than any racial tension could bring.

The combatants of this particular battle are outlined in Ephesians 6:12. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." This reality then eventually leads to the general reaction of lost sinners to redeemed saints. Jesus' words describe it well in John 15:19. "Yet because you are notof the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

With that said, it appears that some in God's family seem to somehow escape the cultural battle ragging about them. They somehow remain neutral and above the fray. This seeming immunity stems from either living like the world, keeping silent about its faults and needs, and by remaining silent about their faith. This makes life much easier, but often falls far short of the direct biblical command in Ephesians 5:11. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them."

So what is the gauge of whether or not a believer is standing firm when confronted by the ways of a godless culture? One sure indicator is spelled out in 2 Timothy 3 in what should be one of the most soul-searching verses in the New Testament. Verse 12 reads, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." Those two small words, 'all' and 'will', could not make clearer the normal consequences for any Christian whose faith translates into words and actions.

Salvation is more than an entry way in Heaven. It is also a gateway to Christian service. It is an opportunity to witness to the problem of sin and life-changing power of God made abundantly clear by Jesus in Matthew 5:13-16. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that isset on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, buton a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Standing firm and sharing the Gospel of Christ is the duty of every Christian believer. It alone can recreate the heart of man and alter his attitude about sin. And this is true whether it be the so-called 'little white lie' or something as horrifying as ethnic cleansing.

Bill Breckenridge