James 2:9
But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a letter to the editor of our local paper from someone who was terribly upset because our annual area Lake and River Cleanup was held on September 11th. The writer felt that this was disrespectful, and he was incensed that the event was not changed to another date. I have maintained correspondence with the families of two New York firefighters killed on September 11, 2001, and I can assure you, they would disagree. I think they would feel that the act of a community coming together for a common cause – i.e. picking up trash and litter – would be a fantastic way to honor the lives and service of their loved ones.
Isn’t the point of remembering 9.11 in large part the unity of us as a citizenry? Isn’t actually doing something constructive as a group as much of a tribute as standing underneath an American flag and listening to “Taps”? And for the record, probably very few of us did anything to mark the day, short of turning on our televisions and listening to news reports about ceremonies taking place in faraway cities.
So what’s my point with regard to James 2:9? I believe we are way too quick to judge others … and to treat them accordingly. Many editorial comments and recent “Letters to the Editor” in our local paper and elsewhere have disturbed me. People are claiming Christianity and passing judgment in the same sentences. If someone doesn’t totally agree with our thinking, we decide – consciously or subconsciously – that this person is beneath us and deserves to be treated as lesser … or even in an unkind manner. We say hateful things. We pick sides. We decide they are beneath us.
So when we go to church, we won’t sit near “So-and-so” because he belongs to “the other party.” At school, we make sure people know us by the crowd with whom we run … and we make it clear that certain people are not included. We look down our noses at people in the grocery store who don’t look like us. I’ll tell you, I have laughed as hard as the next person over those e-mails with the “People of Wal-Mart.” But I do not think of them as beneath me. I’m sure on any given day, God wonders about my “style” and dress just as much as these people – and I’ve become very aware of trying not to give them a sideways glance in person!
We don’t have to “dress down.” We don’t have to live in hovel … or even sell all of our earthly belongings … in order to humble ourselves and become more in tune with others. But we need to drop the attitudes and opinions. We need to realize that God is no respecter of person – and we shouldn’t be, either. We cannot truly begin to serve until we become more like Him … and that means losing the sin of judgment. Remember … people are watching. They will know by your body language, the tone of your voice, what you say and how you act, and whether you are loving others unconditionally – or looking down your nose at some. Don’t be guilty of the latter. God would never look down His nose at you – so what makes you think this is acceptable behavior?
Today, I pray we will all find time to humble ourselves before God and ask Him to show us where we need to drop the attitude and the condescension. Ask Him to forgive you for judging others and to reveal to you areas where you could use improvement. Ask God to bless you with an attitude of love, grace, and mercy toward all people. Then receive His forgiveness and blessings … and go get busy serving honorably.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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