There’s been an uproar lately over kneeling during the national anthem before NFL football games. I believe the behavior of these employees, should be either rewarded or punished by decisions made by the appropriate NFL officials. The reactions of both sides to these actions disturbs me greatly. I am burdened for the division and the hatred and anger on display.

While, I admit, I am not a fan of kneeling, it has obviously not stirred by spirit like it has affected many others. I have always stood with respect with hand over heart just as I was taught my first days in Kindergarten with Mrs. Smith at Niota Elementary School. If I find myself walking or talking in the middle of the pledge or national anthem, I am embarrassed and immediately correct my behavior.

We are entitled to many freedoms as United States citizens. To speak out for causes we believe in is a right I hold dear. But, just because we can speak out against something we believe is an injustice, does not mean we should. Sometimes, silence is the most effective communication. Often the way we speak says more than what we say. Either way, we should listen to each other, and evaluate concerns and try to find solutions together. Berating, belittling, and screaming rarely results in truly understanding the issue at hand, and it almost never results in positive outcomes. Kneeling for the national anthem says something, and I am not sure everyone doing it is trying to say the same thing. Moreover, it does not seem to provide any solution to the problems being construed as reasons for the action.

Does racism exist in the United States? Yes; absolutely it does. Is it limited to white’s views of blacks. No; absolutely not. Are there bad cops who are racist? Yes. Are there racist political activist. Yes. Doctors? Yes. Teachers? Yes. Religious leaders? Yes. Everywhere, you will find people who hate other groups of people. The truth of the matter is none of us are good; no not one (Romans 3:10-12)! Everyone needs the only one who is good, King Jesus! He is the answer to our wickedness. When we fall in love with Him, our whole perspective of what is important begins to change.

My reason for writing this is not to slap anyone for kneeling or not kneeling, for squealing or not squealing over this debacle. I am writing to remind everyone, that there is an appropriate place to kneel, and that place is at the feet of Jesus. Jesus lived a sinless life in our place so we can be declared righteous and made acceptable unto God. He endured your sin, my sin, and the sin of the whole world upon the cross, appeasing the wrath of God by enduring the death we deserve in our place.  He died and was buried, but yet He arose from death, so that we can receive eternal life by grace through faith. God’s plea is for us all to kneel and confess Jesus as Lord unto salvation. Everyone who hears the gospel has that opportunity!

One day, everyone will know the truth and every knee will bow!

Romans 14:10-14 (HCSB)

¹⁰ But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God.^{[a] 11} For it is written:

As I live, says the Lord,
every knee will bow to Me,
and every tongue will give praise to God.^[b]

¹² So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. ¹³ Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.

Will you bow your knee with me before King Jesus and give praise to God? Will you stand with me, red, yellow, black, and white?

What is racism? There is one human race, all made in the image of God with an eternal destiny. Racism is rejection of God’s Word and His will. But, we live in a fallen world, where unfortunately, all kinds of evil exists . When we follow Jesus there will be suffering, but I can endure all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). We should count ourselves worthy to suffer a little for Christ’s sake (1 Peter 4:12-19).

When we find ourselves mistreated or alienated and unloved, we can react in ways that divide or we can react in ways that can unite, but whatever we decide to do, should happen only after we kneel before King Jesus! When you are faced with rejection and despair, anger and hurt, gloom and depression, there is one who loves you, who has given you hope and a future full of purpose and fulfillment and love and belonging, forever! Kneel before Him and welcome His heart transforming, life changing power.