Word for Word 6/23/21

CRT Cancels Self-Esteem

Today, the world is full of controversy over what is currently called Critical Race Theory (CRT).  CRT is the idea that society should be understood in terms of class power structures, with the current world order being based on white privilege and systemic racism.

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with this theory, there is a fascinating cultural shift that is normally lost in the arguments surrounding the merits or faults of CRT.  This is the fact that people – especially “white people,” are being told to feel bad about themselves.

In fact, it is considered a sign of great virtue to agonize over the innate injustice of your very existence.

But do you remember the days, not that long ago, when psychologists told us that a bad self-esteem was the root of all of our mental and moral problems?  Feeling bad about yourself was the root of crime, hate, and poor grades. The answer to society’s problems lay in feeling GOOD about yourself, loving yourself, and basking in your own sense of self-worth.

Ironic, isn’t it?

But perhaps this confusing irony is actually a gift.  CRT is forcing our world to take a more honest look at itself, and what we are discovering is that we are not worthy of self - congratulating honor. Rather, our essence is defined by injustice, tribalism, and selfishness.

This is no surprise to anyone who has read the Bible.  The Bible accurately described our worthless, sinful condition a long time ago.

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

“If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” (Psalm 130:3)

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

According to God, our innate inner being is hopelessly corrupted by sin.  None of us is good enough to meet His righteous standard. In ourselves, there awaits only the judgment of God. “The soul that sinneth, it will die.” (Ezekiel 18:20)

But there is good news.  The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ came into the world to save us from our own sinful nature. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

Jesus died the death that all of us deserve. He took our place so that we could be forgiven. We can receive this forgiveness and salvation if we are willing to admit the truth of our sinful condition and ask God to save us from our sin.

CRT has given us the gift of an honest self-assessment. Don’t waste this gift, but let it help you see the truth of your own sinful condition before God. And let that truth cause you to seek God’s salvation.

Pastor Matthew Majewski
Center Baptist Church
Lansing