No Favorites Allowed!

James 2:1(NIV)

“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism.”  

Do I treat people with the same level of care and respect no matter who and what they are? Every created human being on this earth is a child of God and the value doesn’t decrease based on colour, status or appearance. All society's values are out the window. Every encounter with another human is a chance to behold the wonder of God and treat his beloved possession with the appropriate reverence and respect. 

The way I treat others is directly linked to the way I understand God and his creation. By discriminating against anyone I am partnering with sin to demean and attack the creation of the Creator. How sinful must we be that the supreme ruler of the universe, who sits high above the heavens and earth, should come down to earth and bear the shame of the cross. He did that for me, for you, and for the people we might discriminate against or don’t have time for.  

We can choose whom we accept based on what we get from them. Or maybe because they are like us: we can open doors for those we like and slam it shut for others and not blink an eye. This can be the reality of daily living, whether through active choice or ignorance and it can creep its way into church. Not just the church as in 'Gas Street' (passing the responsibility over.) No, it's on me, you, us, the walking, talking, breathing church, the moving body of Christ here on earth. There must be no bias at our dinner tables, in our behaviour, and friendships. For we have an obligation and mandate to love every person we encounter with the heart of the Father.  

Prayer — Lord create in me a clean heart and help me to see everyone the way you see them; give me your eyes, and give me your heart today, Jesus.