Virtue: Wisdom
Resolution: I choose to seek the mind of Christ and discern the appropriate response.

Human Story: Daryl Davis (1958 - )

Racism and white supremacy have permeated the history of the United States from the beginning of its colonization. They were built into the fabric of this new country, seeping into the DNA of the structures set in place. Although legislation has since progressed freedom for all races to a more equitable place in society, cultural change is far slower moving and white privilege is still a reality. Something else that moves slowly is the heart of man. The spirit of white supremacy still resides in the heart of many white individuals. It has even been suggested that it is making a comeback in the modern day, coinciding with the rise of nationalism. What should be the Christian response to such an obvious spirit of evil? If one were to give a cursory answer based on the fact that racism and white supremacy still exist, the unfortunate evidence would mostly be one of the following: hatred, fear, anxiety, withdrawal, slander through various outlets, and perhaps the worst response of all – silence. This, however, need not be our response.

Daryl Davis is an African-American R&B and blues musician that has a side hobby: convincing Ku Klux Klan members to leave the KKK. Davis reports over 200 members have voluntarily given up their robes due to his influence, many of them donating the robes to Davis. How could he have such a profound impact on those whose hatred runs so deep? Two main factors are key: friendship and communication. He sits down with them and has dinner with them. He asks them about their families. He sends a message after dinner asking if they got home okay. Davis calls communication the best weapon against racism. He says it is the least expensive and least used weapon by Americans. The question that drives him in his relationship with KKK members is “How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?” Davis believes getting to know someone has the potential to decrease hate. The undoing of hatred does not happen overnight. Sometimes it takes years. But during those years, Davis makes phone calls, dinner invitations, and attends events.

Sometimes conventional wisdom suggests leaving, abstaining, or staying away. But for those who are filled up with Christ, wisdom may be saying to make an effort to connect. Hatred runs deep in this world. If our response to hatred is to hate in return, we are part of the problem. If our response, however, is to follow Davis’ example and seek to understand, communicate, and sit down over a meal, then others will see Christ’s solution to hatred.

Lesson: Philippians 2:3b-5 (NIV)

…in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…

At least two key take-aways should strike us in this passage. First, the person who has the mind of Christ—the wise person—is one marked by humility. Being wise, then, means being humble. And, this humility is a person’s “recognition that in their fallen state they need the help of God’s ‘humility,’ God’s being willing to serve others, as shown above all in the Incarnation (J. Rist, Augustine; quoted in J. Herdt Putting on Virtue, 58).

Second, having the mind of Christ—being both wise and humble—means doing what Jesus did, seeing all humans as equally valuable. We recognize that in the incarnation, God has affirmed again the goodness of humanity made in His image. In taking on the mind of Christ, we begin to see all humans, regardless of class, race, nationality, sex, or ability, as deeply loved and immeasurably valuable because Christ died for them as much as for anyone else. Therefore, we not only think differently about our neighbor, but we also act differently toward our neighbor. As people of wisdom, we seek loving union with our fellow believers through a character marked by humility and we press against structures and systems that lead to oppression of any person or people group.

Reference: M. Austin, Humility and Human Flourishing

Remembrance

Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.

-       Robert F. Kennedy (1925-1968)

As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the air – however slight – lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness.

-       William O. Douglas (1898 – 1980)

Challenge

One of the spiritual disciplines is service. There are many opportunities in your community to help those oppressed or in need. These can be one-time events or longer commitments. Seek out some opportunities and pray about whether God desires you to serve in one of these ways. Service must be undertaken with a heart of love, so if you pursue service, make sure your motives and heart are correct.

Reflection

Isaiah 58:6-7 teaches us to loosen the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share food with the hungry, provide shelter to the poor wanderer, clothe the naked, and not turn away from your own flesh and blood. Do you regard these people as deeply loved and immeasurably valuable? If not, why? If so, how does that inform your response to them?

Further Growth

2021: Book of Common Prayer Proper 14

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:1-10
Psalm: Psalm 34
New Testament: Ephesians 4:17—5:2
Gospel: John 6:37-51

2020: Book of Common Prayer Proper 15

Old Testament: Isaiah 56:1-8
Psalm: Psalm 67
New Testament: Romans 11:13-24
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28