Pride and Prejudice

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4)

If we are prideful, it will manifest in our treatment of those we consider "other." The truth is revealed about us in how we treat those who are different and can do nothing tangible for us. Our treatment of those who may have or know less than we do is an exact test of our character.


God will judge us if we judge others.

 

The beauty of the Church of Jesus Christ is that she is not obsessed with herself, her beauty, or her prosperity, but she is determined to be a blessing to those around her. The attitude that pleases God is one that thinks well of "the least of these," and it is displayed in serving their needs and honoring their persons.  


But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ (Luke 13:27) 


It is to our shame that there is pride and prejudice in the Church of Jesus Christ, and there is often little difference from the world in this matter. God cannot and will not tolerate partiality, and we are foolish to think otherwise. Our religion is to be pure and undefiled, and our love for one another, particularly the least of these, is the clearest sign that God is among us. 


True fellowship among believers must be impartial and free from judgment. That is what pleases the Lord, and only then will He dwell in our midst.


Let's Pray - Father, prejudice and pride should not have a place in my heart or the heart of the church. Forgive us, and give us the heart of Jesus for others, no matter who they are or what their status. Amen.


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