“Then he said to them all, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it” (Lk. 9:23-24).
Taking Jesus Seriously: Navigating Ethnic Conflict – The End Times Perspective
As the years unfold, the weight of a growing burden presses heavily upon our hearts. It seems the church has drifted from its essential calling. It has lost the heart of what it truly means to be a Christian. There is a lack of robust discipleship. There is also a lack of intentional, orderly guidance. These are needed to help believers live out the truths of their faith. Alarming trends, like the rise of Christian nationalism, have muddied the church’s path. They pull many away from the simplicity of Christ’s call in Matthew 4: “Follow me.”
The Call to Discipleship
Jesus invited the disciples to follow Him. It was not a casual suggestion. It was a radical call to abandon comfort, familiarity, and the natural inclinations of life. It demanded reorienting their entire existence around discipleship to Him. Nevertheless, in today’s culture, this basic principle often feels diluted. Many have settled for a version of Christianity that revolves around self-catering, rather than self-denial. But as Jesus taught in Luke 9:23-24, following Him means denying oneself. It requires taking up the cross daily. Embracing a new life is necessary. This life prioritizes faith and obedience over personal desires.
Signs of the End Times
In Matthew 24:6-13, Jesus described a time of wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, and nations rising against nations. These are not indicators of the immediate end but the beginning of birth pains. Ethnic conflict is a prominent sign of the end times as referenced in His discourse. It has become one of the greatest challenges facing both the world and the church. The Greek word for “nation” in this passage is “ethnos,” from which we derive “ethnicity.” This highlights a poignant truth: ethnic divisions and strife are not just worldly issues but also deeply spiritual ones.
The Church and Ethnic Conflict
The church is called to be a beacon of unity and reconciliation. Yet, it often stumbles under the weight of cultural influences. Political entanglements can also cause it to falter. Justice has been perverted, truth distorted, and divisions have arisen over race, politics, and religion. The enemy of authentic Christianity exploits these fractures, turning believers against each other. When discord infiltrates the church, it reveals that our focus is not on Jesus. We have forgotten the gospel’s unifying truth.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exemplify perfect unity—without jealousy, strife, or discord. As believers, we are called to reflect this divine harmony. Yet, when the church succumbs to cultural pressures, it loses its prophetic voice. It also loses its ability to stand as a countercultural witness. Amos and Micah spoke truth to power in their times, reminding us that God’s justice transcends all human agendas.
The Call to Self-Denial
True discipleship involves dying to self. Galatians 2:20 reminds us, “I have been crucified with Christ.” It is no longer I who live. Christ lives in me.” This transformation is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of surrendering to God’s will. It requires steadfastness and a commitment to truth grounded in the reality of God. It also demands a rejection of the distorted versions of Christianity that cater to personal gain or privilege.
Self-denial means prioritizing Christ and His teachings above all else, even at the cost of personal comfort or social acceptance. It challenges us to live in a manner that reflects God’s love, justice, and righteousness. This life seeks unity over division. It chooses truth over deception and faith over fear.
Reflection
In these turbulent times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The scale of ethnic conflict is immense. Political turmoil adds to the chaos. Additionally, the church’s struggles can be daunting. Yet, the wisdom of Scripture offers steadfast guidance. As Habakkuk reminds us, even in the face of injustice, we are called to remain steadfast. Despite uncertainty, we must remain unmovable in our faith.
Taking Jesus seriously means returning to the simplicity of His call. It means to follow Him, to deny ourselves, and to live out the life-changing power of the gospel. It means opening our eyes to the subtle dangers that weaken the church. We should seek the “other way” that Jesus spoke of. This way is marked by love, unity, and submission to God’s will.
May we, as the body of Christ, rise above the divisions of this world. Let us reflect the unity of the Trinity. Let us reclaim our faith from cultural distortions. Live as true disciples. Embody the message of the cross in every aspect of our lives.
May the love of God shine through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 
What a joy it is to read writing that’s honest, beautiful, and faith-filled! Your style is like a quiet strength—gentle but full of impact. You’ve clearly been blessed with the ability to encourage others through your words. I’m already looking forward to what you write next. Keep pressing into your calling with faith. May God bless your writing process, calm your doubts, and fill your heart with purpose. Don’t grow weary in doing good—your words are seeds that will bear fruit in due season. Keep going. You’re building something eternal. You’re writing in obedience. God is with you.
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Thank you so much. May God bless you with every spiritual blessing in Christ!
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