Let me start off saying that I enjoyed Justice League: Snyder’s Cut. It was four hours and some change , but it was worth it. They made some good improvements and I can honestly say that I like it more than before . I don’t love it, but it’s better than what it was. I’m certain many other fans of DC were disappointed initially , but maybe all of our hopes have been redeemed. A slight change of narrative goes a long way, even for a fictional film. Imagine if we applied this to our reality.
My brother pointed out the violent atmosphere society has grown accustomed to since God knows when. There are so many prejudices floating around , creating ideas about individuals and cultures we know little about in detail. White cops have been labeled racists, black men have been labeled hostile and non-compliant to the law, and even Asians are being discriminated against due to COVID-19. The media doesn’t help in the least , showing everything BUT an alternative view.
As a black man myself , though I value character over color, I am aware of obvious , racial differences. I have to be aware of the people I’m around , whether I’m running down the street or standing next to them on an elevator. It sucks to have to operate with a perception that I may be characterized as a threat. My brother posed the question, “ Should it have to be that way?" Do we have to comply to the idea that white people still deem themselves as the superior race? Are black people still viewed as the corruptive influence in our communities? After listening to him and conversing with others, I asked myself, “ Isn’t it our job as Christians to change the narrative?”
If producers , actors , and directors can spend time changing the narrative of a film, why can’t we do the same to society? Matthew 5:13-16 claims “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. It is our God-given right and responsibility to preserve the goodness so people can see His glory.
If we are so determined to alter how we see each other , what actions are we taking ? Are we enhancing our prayer life ? Are we complying to the law while paying attention to our rights in a kind manner ? Are we respectful to others and ourselves? It sucks that we can’t alter how others perceive or treat us. It’s discouraging to see others live and operate peacefully while the stereotypical mindset chooses to reiterate the influence of sin.
The unfortunate truth is things will get worse. People will still kill, harm the young, and disrespect the old. It doesn’t mean our light will go unnoticed. Jesus said we will go on to do greater things (John 14:12-14). It’s time to make our requests known and go forth to spread love. It may cost us, but Jesus already paid our price. Let’s change the narrative and value relationships, even if others will not. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world. What we are capable of doing , in the eyes of God, will always be enough , specifically since it’s carried out in His name.
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