Monday, January 19, 2015

Ending favoritism

In studying the letter James wrote to the church during Sunday School, we are learning a variety of things...some for the very first time and some for the umteenth time.  This week we began chapter two and these words still ring in my ears:

My brothers and sisters, I know you’ve heard this before, but stop playing favorites! Do not try to blend the genuine faith of our glorious Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, with your silly pretentiousness.If an affluent gentleman enters your gathering wearing the finest clothes and priceless jewelry, don’t trip over each other trying to welcome him. And if a penniless bum crawls in with his shabby clothes and a stench fills the room, don’t look away or pretend you didn’t notice—offer him a seat up front, next to you. 3-4 If you tell the wealthy man, “Come sit by me; there’s plenty of room,” but tell the vagrant, “Oh, these seats are saved. Go over there,” then you’ll be judging God’s children out of evil motives.

It was funny that in second service one of the songs was from Brandon Heath entitled "Give me your eyes."  The song refers to a request for God to grant us his eyes so that we may see the world and people around us the way that he does.  I share this because it was an interesting followup to our Sunday School lesson.  It was something that I couldn't have planned better (although I had no idea or help,in the selections this week).

So here is today's Prayer:
Gracious God, help us to see as you do.  Keep us from favoritism and prejudice.  Help us to recognize the problems and challenges in our lives and in the lives of others.  Help us too, to see the divine solution and our part in it if there is one.  Please don't let us miss an opportunity to be a reflection of you to the world around us. Amen.

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