Equality and equity are terms that are casually and liberally used by politicians and social media, but what does it really mean? The above illustrations dramatically clarify the differences. The images may be familiar but the third image is often missing, and this image deeply resonates with me. These barriers affect everyone and cross over into race, culture, gender, and disabilities. There are many initiatives to create an equitable world, striving to remove systemic barriers. These are noble goals but how does one begin? Legislation and introducing laws are a beginning. Creating social programs can assist. Is there anything or anyone that can remove all systemic barriers allowing all people to be treated equitably?
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Ephesians 2:13-16 (NIV)
Barriers are man-made. They are the direct result of our sinful nature, leading to man’s inhumanity to man. The only solution is to confront our sin but we have erected a barrier around our hearts, composed of layers of pride, arrogance, and social conditioning. We do not need man-made solutions but a God-solution. Only when we recognize that God created all of us with a soul that is unsatisfied and incomplete unless it is united with Him through faith and belief in Jesus Christ, will we be able to address and eliminate the barriers that have caused so much division and inequity in this fallen world. Jesus Christ gave His life for us to abolish these barriers. Through the supernatural power of His resurrection, we will be more than conquerors and be victorious.
It begins with each of us. It begins with Jesus Christ.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 