Year of the Bible: Part Eleven of TwelveSample

Kingdom of God Equity

Every human has been created in the likeness of God and, therefore, deserves to be treated well. Today's verses in James deal directly with the contrast between the actions of loyal followers of Jesus and how the world interacts.

The culture of our day treats physically attractive, wealthy, and popular people as deserving special treatment. At the same time, our culture demands "equity" in the treatment of others.

James directs the believer in Jesus to recognize the world's influence in our interactions with others. He then calls us to be intentionally different. He calls us to love and honor one another regardless of physical, financial, or social status.

Often, those who are poor in this world demonstrate the greatest faith, perhaps because they must exercise reliance on the Holy Spirit for their daily needs. James directs our attention to the reality that our relationship with Jesus needs to be demonstrated by how we treat one another.

Question: How is God's idea of equity different than culture's idea of equity?

Prayer: Father, grant us Your heart in treating each human as created in Your likeness. Help me to see others as You see them. Fill our churches with believers who honor one another regardless of outside appearance.