My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected in glory. James 2:1
As most of us know, showing favoritism is not a good thing. In a family unit, if a parent shows favoritism to one child, this can be very hurtful to the other children. In a classroom, favoritism can actually cause pain to the one who is favored. This student may be taunted by the others as “the teacher’s pet.” Favoritism or discrimination can happen in the workforce, in the political arena, in general society, and unfortunately, even in the church.
If we are to view the world through the eyes of Jesus, then we would have an impartial view of the world. Jesus met with the tax collector, Zacchaeus. He allowed a prostitute to anoint His feet. He talked to the Samaritan woman and ate with the non-jewish unclean people. He touched the lepers, the woman with a bleeding issue, and those who were possessed with demons. Yes, Jesus even allowed Judas to be one of the twelve to follow Him. His favoritism is for all mankind: past, present, and future.
Jesus’ gift of salvation, through His death on the cross and resurrection to new life, was for all. He came not only for the Jewish nation but also for the redemption of those who have fallen short of the glory of God. This includes every person ever to live in this world. His victory in becoming the first to overcome death gives all of us that same victory. It was not a victory for only one side or team.
So if Christ did this, shouldn’t we do the same? One way we can show our faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ is to deny showing favoritism or discrimination. He asked us to love without restrictions. Take off the labels of Democratic, Republican, Black, White, Rich, Poor, Jewish, Mormon, Conditionalist, Universalist, Homosexual, or Heterosexual, and love one another. Let us remove our tainted spectacles and put on the love lens of Christ!
Remove the hateful lens from my eyes oh Lord, and replace it with the love lens of Jesus Christ. Amen
Comments
Post a Comment