Favoritism
Jesus tells us not to judge (really, it’s not our place). However, we really are very good at doing just that. Wouldn’t you agree?
Confession time….As much as I try not to be judgmental, I catch myself doing it sometimes. I would never want those judgmental thoughts to actually show, but sometimes they are there. I have to fight the temptation to act on those thoughts. I have first and foremost been a Christian for enough years to know that is not from God and He does not want me to behave in that manner. Secondly, my mother would not have allowed me to act that way. She taught me to “be sweet”. All you southerners out there probably hear your mom in your head telling you to “be sweet”, as well! :)
We live in a world that constantly throws out expectations of who we are supposed to be, what we are supposed to wear, how much money/things we should have. If you aren’t doing things the way someone thinks you should be doing it…you’re judged. You’re judged if you’re overweight, divorced, old, young, if you have black/white/orange/purple skin. You’re judged if you’re homeless, have tattoos or face piercings. You’re judged if you don’t hold your pinky just right when drinking that tea!
We have no business and no right to judge others. Matthew 7:2-5 tells us “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”
We, the CHURCH, should know better. We, the CHURCH, are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
WE MUST DO BETTER AT LOVING PEOPLE INSTEAD OF JUDGING THEM.
James 2:1-4 says, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
We are called to LOVE GOD and LOVE PEOPLE…..period!
Let’s get out there and “be sweet” to EVERYONE, not just those we deem worthy enough.
