Devotionals

Distinctions

by Cheryl Martin
03/27/23
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Distinctions

“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?” (James 2:2-4 ESV)

What are your heart’s intentions? What do you truly think when you meet others? For example, if you come across someone who is down and out, say a homeless person, do you cringe or have compassion? 

Reread verse four and really think about and then ask yourself these questions:

    1- Is my reputation damaged or enhanced by my actions?

    2- Am I honest or dishonest?

    3- Is my credibility weak or strong?

We should not be distinguishing from one person to another. There should be no favoritism and shame on us if there is. Favoritism causes hurt, offends others, shows selfishness, contradicts our mission as followers of Christ and it is a sin. We should be using our spiritual eyes and not our physical eyes. 

Each person should be treated with love and compassion. Each one of us is unique in his or her own way. God created each and every one of us for a purpose. We each have a destiny. 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5 ESV) 

This doesn’t mean we will necessarily be a prophet like Jeremiah, but it does show that He knew and knows you.  

If He loves all of us then how dare we look down on others. The roles could just as easily be reversed. 

Abba,
Help us to truly be in tune spiritually so that our faith will not be merely talk, but one followed with good works. We don’t want to be like the hypocrites (Matthew 6:5) that needed to be recognized for what they did, but when we see You face to face we want to hear—- ‘well done.'
In Jesus name. Amen.