Poor People: Church Favortism

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… 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 (NIV)

Although I see many churches changing… some congregations are “traditional” – but NOT the traditions of Christ, the Man. He was a:

  • “Come no matter who, what, or where you are,”

  • “I don’t care what you look like on the outside,”

  • “How much money you do or do NOT have,”

  • “What your job is– or the mistakes you’ve made…”

  • “Your heart is the important part” Preacher! 

Returning to traditional churches (where condemnation upstages worship ) – rumors, proud looks, and false witness abound.

  • “Can you believe the outfit she’s wearing?”

  • “I heard she used to be a drug addict!”

  • “People like her don’t belong in this church!”

  • Her looks, lifestyle, or prior misfortunes…

  • Turns into congregational gossip.

Church favoritism happened when Jesus lived, and it continues to happen today: Poor people are condemned as unworthy, and “different” people are dangerous.

Our Father doesn't see people that way!!

  • He’s eager to forgive our past mistakes.

  • He’s moved by our troubles and wants to help.

  • Our externals are merely packaging.

  • Whether we're fancy, “home-spun” or unwrapped,

  • God’s all about what’s inside our “package”!

Maybe every poor or unkempt person has a seldom-considered advantage. Their humility makes them ready to rise!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Practice looking at people like God does! It’s crucial character development!

Poor People: Church Favortism (Part 25)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban