Trayvon Martin and Christians

By Charles Holmes

Anyone following the news lately has probably heard about the tragedy that took place with Trayvon Martin and  George Zimmerman. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those involved. Whatever happened that night, we know who was ultimately behind it, Satan, as the bible reads:

John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy… (NIV)

Let us pray for healing in this situation and that justice will take place for all those involved.

When something so deeply hurtful happens between people of different ethnicities like this incident, it has a toothpaste like effect upon society. This hurt is like a hand squeezing the heart that forces those hidden, stored beliefs, out into the public arena.

These stored beliefs, whether right or wrong, influence what is believed and usually line up with whatever ethnic group a person belongs to. Almost without fail a phenomena called Groupthink kicks in.

This is a definition of the word Groupthink taken from Wikipedia:

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within groups of people. It is the mode of thinking that happens when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives. Group members try to minimize conflict and reach a consensus decision without critical evaluation of alternative ideas or viewpoints. Antecedent factors such as group cohesiveness, structural faults, and situational context play into the likelihood of whether or not groupthink will impact the decision-making process.
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As Christians, what should be our response to these painful cases? Should we embrace the world’s ways and indulge in groupthink? God forbid! As Romans 12:2 says:

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (NIV)

The following scripture should guide our hearts and minds when theses awful situations take place.

1 Corinthians 4:5

5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. (NIV)

Let’s not jump to conclusions before the truth comes out. The scripture says wait, but there is a passive waiting and an active waiting. Let us actively wait with prayer. Let’s make sure the laws of the land are followed by our appointed and hired authorities. Let us vigorously seek the truth, because only the truth shall set us free. And if you are guilty of prematurely passing judgment based on stereotypes, racism, and other components of groupthink, ask God for forgiveness and allow Him to cleanse your heart.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12