Christian Pitfalls: Partiality
Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
Acts 10:34-35 (ESV)
I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV)
Here’s a statement from James… and 2 questions:
'My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 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' (James 2:1-2)...
What should Christians do?
What would your church do?
Consider...
How easily most of us judge others--by polish, possessions, and position; by worldly knowledge and accomplishments.
How we prefer people who look like us--who walk where we walk and talk like we talk; who love what we love and hate what we hate.
How we pay homage to those above us on social and professional ladders--even the height and scope of church steeples.
But…
Shouldn’t we think about Jacob's ladder? Shouldn’t 'The Highway of Holiness' (Isaiah 35:8) be the Christian climb of choice– here and now?
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
'Clear the way for the people; Build up, build up the highway, remove the stones, lift up a standard over the peoples' (Isaiah 62:10). Because,
'When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him' (Isaiah 59:19).
YOU are that standard: God's flag of fairness!
YOU are your King’s colors of creation.
YOU are His ensigns in entertainment.
YOU fly for the people others disdain.
Why"?
Because Your Father loves diversity, 'For by Him all things were created' (Colossians 1:16),
Even as He despises prejudice, 'For there is no partiality with God' (Romans 2:11).
So,
'When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors... But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed' (Luke 14:12-14).
'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me' (Matthew 25:40).
Christian Pitfalls: Partiality (Part 35)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.