Free from the Stronghold of Segregation
Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.
http://strongholdsmashers.com/bible/free-stronghold-segregation/

It’s time we realized the importance of joining forces. God, in his infinite grace, made us one body in Christ. He gave us his word through the prophets and again when he came in the flesh. Christ taught his disciples to join together and be of one mind. In fact, he prayed to the Father that we would all be one.

So where does a stronghold of segregation have a place in our lives except to be set apart for God? Jesus didn’t even segregate himself from sinners. He gave every one of us a chance to become one in Him through his teaching. He was our example.

Every day we hear of wars and rumors of wars because of clashes in cultures. The color of our skin, the nation where we were born, our sex, our politics, and our physical condition should have no bearing on our joining forces if we are in Christ. When segregation sets into the body of Christ we become divided. In division we are easily destroyed.

Disregarding distorted Christianity, other religions, or anti-Christ mentality, we are, and should all be one. Galatians 3:28 There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The ideal congregation does not see color, differences in ideas, financial status, ideals, or social backgrounds as long as Christ is the head.

5 Biblical tips to overcome segregation:

1. Make Christ your priority. He is our head. We are his body.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6Who gave Himself as a ransom for all [people, a fact that was] attested to at the right and proper time.

Colossians 1:17-19 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together). 18He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent]. 19For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him permanently.

2. Embrace the differences in social background and enjoy your diverse oneness in Christ. When you embrace the outward differences you notice the inward oneness [in Christ] more clearly.

Acts 17:26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,

3. Open your heart to new cultures. Food, games, clothing, music, traditions, and other aspects of various cultures can be stimulating, culturally enriching, and enjoyable.

Colossians 2:16-17Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath. 17Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ.

4. Reach out to others who may be feeling disconnected because of cultural differences.

Revelation 7:9 After this I looked and a vast host appeared which no one could count, [gathered out] of every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. These stood before the throne and before the Lamb; they were attired in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

John 3:16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

5. Turn away from conflict caused by cultural differences and segregation. Take a lesson from the life of Christ. He traveled and taught the same thing in all lands without separating himself.

Romans 12:18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

James 2:8 If indeed you [really] fulfill the royal Law in accordance with the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as [you love] yourself, you do well.