The Samaritan

White Christians, it's time to stop putting patriotism over people. 

It's time to replace, "That would never happen here," with, "That doesn't reflect my experience." Because it doesn't, and that's the point. 

Then, listen. 

To real, individual people. Go on Twitter, look up the hashtags you think are "unnecessary" and read. Read what they post. Read the news they share. Read the ideas they have. Read their stories of being pulled over for "looking like they were about to start speeding" or not having their headlights on in the afternoon because they "should have anticipated it getting dark." 

If they're all lying, you've wasted a couple hours, and you may continue on, proud of yourself for doing the work. 

But if they're telling the truth and you refused to listen, then you will stand before God that final day, as we all will. Are you ready for Him to say, "All these people asked for your help, and you scoffed at them. You 'crossed to the other side of the road' because you were too busy, too patriotic, too afraid to care for the wounds of your neighbor"? Will you, as the Pharisee, "seeking to justify himself, ask Jesus 'And who is my neighbor?'" Or will you have compassion and put your own security on the line for the sake of love and mercy and justice, even if you haven't personally seen or experienced the injustice? 

Jesus chose the cross over Caesar. Do you really think fighting for the Constitution, the second amendment, your freedom of speech (and while you're at it, your denial of climate consequences), aligns more closely with what He asks of us than taking up the cause of the downcast and the oppressed? Of the hurting, the widow, and the fatherless? Of your brother, your friend, your enemy? 

Because if you think waving the American flag makes God happier than laying down your life for your friend, I fear for you. 

I fear for the congregation that sends missionaries abroad but ignores the cries of the people within its own city streets. 

I fear for the congregation that thinks the notion of holding our government accountable for the actions and character of the individuals in power is a conspiracy. 

I fear for the Christian that shrugs in the face of a weeping Black mother forced to eulogize her son and says, "I heard he got caught shoplifting a couple years ago."  

I fear for the Christian that thinks it wise and meritous to never change your mind, to talk over opposing arguments with smug deafness.

I fear for the Christian that thinks they follow Jesus when America is their god and comfort their king.