The Engage Art Contest has always focused on the spiritual battle because we recognize—and we want others to recognize—that we are all players in a spiritual battle, whether we know it or not.  With current events—like the death of George Floyd, protests, politics, and so much more—speaking to the power of the spiritual battle in our daily lives, how are we to navigate it all?

Is the answer clear? Is it really black & white?

The commandment to love “IS” black and white, as we see in Scripture, but when it comes to loving our neighbor practically, many of us struggle. For example, many disagree on the subject of the sin of racism and if systemic racism exists today. Phil Vischer, the creator of Veggie Tales, makes a case for the policies of our governments being a major factor in the divide we see among races, and he gives a call to action in order to begin the process of reconciliation.

The Bible Project, well known for their animated videos, does a great job of conveying God’s heart surrounding worldly social systems, oppression and justice.

The Perrys, a married couple of well known spoken word artists, share their reaction to the death of George Floyd, take a deep dive into their experience with and knowledge of racism, and then paint a powerful picture of different races bringing glory to God through their unity!

The issues of our diverse communities are complex and nuanced. We pray that followers of Jesus can truly keep the two great commandments:

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” ~Matthew 22:37-39

As James 1:19 challenges, “everyone must be quick to hear; slow to speak and slow to anger”—especially on social media and in our conversations with others.

Let’s love exhaustively and completely. To love is truly a black and white issue.