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by Chad Koons

They won’t say “Black Lives Matter,” and frankly, neither will I. Now before you condemn me in some manner, take a few minutes to find out why.

Accusation and condemnation are out of control in our nation. BLM has itself become a source of divisive tendency, from an opportunity to a line drawn in the sand so to speak, with many using it as a filter to sift the good people from the bad. To the confusion and anger of many BLM supporters, there remain millions who refuse to declare it. Instead of immediately accusing these people of racism, should we not seek to understand their reasoning? What if they are right?

You may wonder why I even bring this up. If you haven’t noticed, it’s really awkward out here. Most people that I am in contact with are either confused or unconvinced about how to interact with the issue. Unsure of what to do, they either retreat, become silent, spout off in frustration, or just go with the flow. Black, White, Asian, Latino, and even people of varying faiths all seem to be having trouble processing where we should stand.

For my part, I will speak as a Christian. If you are a person of faith, you simply will not be able to align with everything that Black Lives Matter openly supports. And, as a person of faith, you should not feel ashamed for your decision to withhold support of this movement, assuming that your intent is pure, as your priority in all things is unto the Lord. To be candid, I know many black people who refuse to support BLM. Your refusal to participate does not equal racism.

Here is something that we fail to understand: adherence to a statement or a specific movement is not necessary to display one's support of Black Americans. We desperately need to recognize this, otherwise we may accuse without cause. Yes, it is possible to fully support God-given racial equality while not aligning with the Black Lives Matter movement, and we should not condemn one another over it.

Regarding the phrase itself, I find it lacking. Black lives do not merely matter, they very much more than “matter”! Being fearfully and wonderfully made, black lives are wondrous works of divine creation, worthy of every respect and opportunity the same as any other skin color. As part of humanity, they exist as the marvelous loved ones eligible for salvation and fullness in God! Indeed, the Lord considers all “races” of equal value! This is why I would take exception with “black lives matter” as a phrase, as it feels extraordinarily weak to me, at best woefully incomplete. It fails to carry the proper strength.

“Black Lives are Created in the Image of God.”
“Black Lives are Precious.”
How about “Black Lives are Infinitely Valuable”?
These phrases better carry the weight of holy creation and would be more appropriate. Are they not better descriptors?

Yet saying these would draw anger from BLM supporters. Why? Because that’s not what we’re supposed to say, it does not fit their narrative. You must name the movement. Get in, get out, or get run over. Become an echo or be targeted and accused. Do you see the problem?

Exchanging movement over message, has the organization become more important than the cause that they seek to champion? Their change only? It’s of little wonder why so many people are confused over where to stand regarding BLM. The exclusivity exhibited by the organization is palpable.

Perhaps I am calling out the fly in the ointment. Perhaps the ointment itself is tainted.

So, what’s our problem with BLM, specifically? Have a look at what the organization believes: here is BLM’s belief statement. If you are a Christian, you will immediately recognize the dangerous agenda therein. It is a Trojan Horse. You will see the mixing of good with evil. This is why millions of Christians, and those of other religions, cannot get behind Black Lives Matter. How Christians can in good conscience support this organization at all is a mystery to me.

Do we have an obligation to support BLM as the only vehicle for positive change? Are we to ignore the evil and hope that it somehow does good? Take that before the Lord and get back to me. Is there an answer to racism, oppression, and defeat? The only answer that I know of is fixing the family unit. If we look towards legislation change to save us, we look in the wrong place. Imagine if we put as much effort into prayer, Godly community, and family support as we put into these movements – what great and lasting change we could see! But will we do what it takes?

My point is that we need to think twice before trigger jerking our accusations against one another. Many of us will not support Black Lives Matter, and it is foolish to label, accuse, and condemn us because of it. Acceptance and understanding go both ways. Although we may not support the movement, the Godly among us will greatly support black lives. The Lord is up to something in this season, we must join in His work and refuse to accuse people along the way.

Here is my statement: Black Lives are Infinitely Valuable. I wonder, can we agree on that and work towards a better tomorrow? Love God and love people.

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