October 31, 2024

Diana Niemeyer
“And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”
Ephesians 6:9
“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. 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,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”
James 2:1-5

I remember the first time I attended a Cypress Creek women’s Encounter. One of the speakers said that as women, we seem to rank ourselves among one another, but none of that is true—we are all equal!

First off, that’s so true, and I’m sure Men have some sort of false ranking system too.  But imagine we were all to see each other the way Jesus does. Would our doors open wider for the marginalized?  Would we be more willing to invite certain neighbors to church, our community groups, or even our homes for a meal?

In Luke 19, Jesus chose to have dinner with Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who, in the eyes of the Jewish people, was a thief. However, Zacchaeus was just as important in Jesus’ eyes as anyone else, including you, the neighbor with political differences, and the poor man who shows up to church with his clothes torn and tattered.

I challenge you this week to pray and ask God where you may have biases and for him to change your heart.