Thought of the day

Favoritism Forbidden

1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

James 2:1-4 NIV translation from biblegateway

Just thinking of this passage in another way...showing favoritism to the one who looks more meager or humble. Showing favoritism to someone whom you think you'd be a better friend to because perhaps with their simple look they might be more on 'your level'. Perhaps over time you'll see more of them to know if your assumption is true or not.

But what about the 'wealthy' one? What if you ignored them because you think they are too high maintenance? Or they are too shallow? How could they have deep conversation? How could you possibly learn anything from them...do they even have any wisdom, self-control, charity?

We all have an exterior. Outward appearance can be sometimes true of who we are. Somtimes they are not. How about getting caught in debauchery in a bar? Being quickly judged by another person? Who's to say that you too have understood how to live differently and chose to lose sight of the road you walked on?

...we can show favoritism in many ways

I'm not saying gravitate to the most opposite of people. But I need to try to better look at people first before judging. I'd hate to have some people judge me based on a short time period of my life. Especially my time in Korea.

There are ways that one can be truly inspired. For me the way is to remember. If anything...my life is perfect when I remember. Remember whom. Remember the words of truth that pierce my soul and flood the memories of glory and hope and joy.

It's time to lay down this forgotten way and pick up the path to the gates of splendor.