Scripture: James 2:1-3
My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected in glory. Imagine two people coming into your meeting. One has a gold ring and fine clothes, while the other is poor, dressed in filthy rags. Then suppose that you were to take special notice of the one wearing fine clothes, saying, “Here’s an excellent place. Sit here.” But to the poor person you say, “Stand over there”; or, “Here, sit at my feet.”
Thought for the Day: I used to have a professor who would say, “If God shows favoritism to everyone, then doesn’t that mean God shows favoritism to no one? It might appear that way if it were not God who was showing the favoritism.” The problem exists in the community where everyone is enjoying the extravagant favoritism of God, yet individuals within the community are showing favoritism that is exclusive and far from extravagant. If the church’s message is not fully contained in its relationships, then it might as well stop preaching until it can get itself back in step with God.
Prayer: May my eyes see others, not for what they have, O Lord, but who they are as your precious children. As no one is left out of your extravagant care and concern, make my life a tool by which you share that message with others. Amen.
TODAY – WORSHIP IN THE FORUM
