Greetings,
I have read the book of James chapter two where it talks of
personal favortism toward certain folks who visit the church.
In James 2:1-5 it talks of showing favoritism to the rich man
but discrimination of the poor man:
"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 of evil
thoughts?
Listen my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the
poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs to the
kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"
I often thought a lot about myself if you go back to the last
post I wrote on feeling like a dejected man among believers.
(Isn't true, btw).
But as of recent our church has welcomed at least three
people who had either become victims of this tough economy
and/or certain vices or addictions and over time I had begun
to know them quite well. I am not going to go into details of
their hardships or struggles nor am I going to give their names
but in getting to know them and spend some time with them
I actually found one of them to be INSPIRING and ENCOU-
-RAGING. Yes, you read right, he has begun to be an
encouragement as well as an inspiration!
I say that because despite the certain hardships and struggles
he is going through he has been attending church more
frequently and by telling me some of his testimonies I
get to see how the Lord is working in his life and that is
what I mean by him being an inspiration and an encouragement!
Instead of looking down on people who are least esteemed,
we should not only exalt them but see them as an inspiration
and an encouragement when the Lord blesses them.
My friends, look at it like this; You too, may find yourself in
a needy situation (and don't think it can't happen to you, it can)
and if you see how the Lord is working on those of humble means
would he not do the same for you?
There is another verse of scripture in Romans 12:16 which I want
to include here:
"Do not set your mind on high things, but condescend to men of
low estate. Do not be wise in your own opinion."
And as of recent I find myself talking, fellowshipping, and
even sitting with these recent visitors.
Exalt, be encouraged and inspired by men of low estate and
that way you get to see the Lord at work which will help your
own faith in the Lord as well!
Have a blessed day.
