Do our actions and attitudes affect others? Or do that infect others? Let me paint a familiar picture, we're at a function, our personal GPS kick into action and we're off to hang with those we know or feel comfortable with. Never realizing that we perhaps bypassed several incredible folks in the process. It's human nature to want to stay within our comfort zones.
My Mom taught me by word and deed that no one is better than me and I am not better than others. I remember one time Mom sharing that she treated the cleaning folks who took care of her office with the same respect she gave to the president of her company. God is not a respecter of persons so why are we?
First and foremost, our sinful nature kicks in and we make poor choices. Sometimes intentionally and sometimes just out of habit. Regardless, the outcome still remains the same. I read in 1 Corinthians 12 how the body of Christ is suppose to function together. Just consider our knees, they are not the most desirable body part but should they weaken, we would be hard pressed to function. In verse 18, we read this, "But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaptation." The dilemma is not with God, it's with us. We either get in the way or we attempt to tell God how the body of Christ should be constructed. Stop and think . . . that would be like the art pad telling Michelangelo how to paint.
Not too long ago, someone shared this with me, "you have a gift to include the outcasts." At first it took me back until the individual explained their statement. What she shared was that God has gifted me to reach out to others and to find ways to include them. Sometimes, Rob and I jokingly say, "we're friendship brokers." Although at times we feel the loneliest folks around.
There was a gospel song that went like this, "There's plenty of room in the family, there's room for the young and the old, . . ." I am sad to say far too often that this isn't the theme of some Christian circles today. It's more like this "There's plenty of room in the family, if you wear certain kinds of fashions, own your large homes, and so forth." Elitism is in the church whether you agree with me or not, it is a reality. People are hurting and we're playing games at the foot of the cross. Using buzz words will not help or jumping aboard the current trend in church life will not solve it. It's a heart issue that needs to be changed from the inside out.
The Apostle Paul had a burning compassion and genuine love for the churches he ministered to and with. He didn't need to have some kind of "spiritual pep rally," to propel him out into the world or to help him love the people more. Read with me in 2 Corinthians 5:14 -18 in the Amplified Bible.
- 14 For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] one died for all, then all died;
- 15 And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake.
- 16 Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].
- 17 Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
-18 But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].
Jesus Christ gave us the ministry of reconciliation to bring others to Him. We do not read in this passage that we are to make sure they become like us. No, we are to bring others to Christ. He is the object not us.
God's ways are so much higher than our ways. We cannot pick and choose Scripture to support or under gird our behavior. We must come to God's Word and allow Him to bring light and illumination to our hearts and mind. Romans 12:10 states, "love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another."
We read in 1 Peter 3:8-12, the following ~
- 8 Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble).
- 9 Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].
- 10 For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good--whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).
- 11 Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]
- 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), and His ears are attentive to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil [to oppose them, to frustrate, and defeat them]. [Ps 34:12-16.]
I am not a Pollyanna and I do not operate in a bubble. When we do things God's way, will we suffer or will we be misunderstood? Yes. Read all of 1 Peter in context and you will discover that reality. My Dad, whenever I would get discouraged for doing something I knew was biblically correct, my Dad would laugh and say, "young lady, you are in good company," and would quote Matthew 5 and other passages in I Peter. Plus remind me that I was in good company with earlier saints.
Perhaps our dear brothers and sisters in Christ around world know this more than what we know in America because they have had to literally suffer and die for their faith in Christ. We are experiencing some persecution in our country now, but I know that the fire could grow hotter in the not so distant future.
Meanwhile, we must rid ourselves of elitism and superiority. There isn't any passage in Scripture that would back up the sinful notion of elitism. In Philippians 2, we read that Jesus emptied Himself for our sake so we are not greater than our Lord.
My parents were intentional in their mission to insure that the foundation was laid for myself as well as my brothers. A passage that is woven within the fabric of my heart, mind, soul, and being is found in 1 Peter 4:8-11. Let's read what Peter wrote in this wonderful passage.
- 8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. [Pr 10:12.]
- 9 Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him).
- 10 As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely Diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].
- 11 Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).
Please hear my heart. I share this not to say I have arrived or have all the answers. I cannot fit into your heads and minds insofar as to know what you think or why you do what you do. God's grace and mercy in my life has allowed some insights as to why we play favorites or demonstrate an attitude of "elitism" among brothers and sisters in Christ. Oh yes, I did say with fellow Christians. We expect the lost to cop attitudes and such, but when it becomes a lifestyle or a habit among believers, it is very disturbing. Please hear my heart, I know that I have not arrived and fall short so many times. I think perhaps out of insecurity this occurs; like an over compensation of one's abilities and limitations.
Let's examine what James 2 states,
- 1 MY BRETHREN, pay no servile regard to people [show no prejudice, no partiality]. Do not [attempt to] hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ [the Lord] of glory [together with snobbery]!
- 2 For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid apparel, and also a poor [man] in shabby clothes comes in,
- 3 And you pay special attention to the one who wears the splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this preferable seat! while you tell the poor [man], Stand there! or, Sit there on the floor at my feet!
- 4 Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judges with wrong motives?
- 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and in their position as believers and to inherit the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?
- 6 But you [in contrast] have insulted (humiliated, dishonored, and shown your contempt for) the poor. Is it not the rich who domineer over you? Is it not they who drag you into the law courts?
- 7 Is it not they who slander and blaspheme that precious name by which you are distinguished and called [the name of Christ invoked in baptism]?
In conclusion, it does take an intentional act to be inclusive and not to cave into "playing favorites." Will you loose some friends as the result of changing your attitudes and your heartbeat, yes! Let's get out of the way and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives reproving where we need reproof and correcting where we need correction. It should be our heart's desire to be the man or woman of God that is complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17).
A personal note, I do hold a seminary degree and God has allowed me some marvelous life experiences along the way. However, if I neglect to do what the Bible actually teaches whether on purpose or accidentally, it still is an offense to our Lord. Let's cut to the chase and quit throwing around a lot of spiritual terminology and love the Lord and others in His love and His power. Whenever, I find myself getting too big for my britches, the Holy Spirit quickly brings to my heart and mind this resounding verse in Romans.
Let me share it with you. Romans 5:8 states, "But God shows and clearly provides His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." That reality always keeps me in check and I realize how sinful I really am. But by the grace of God, I am what I am because of Christ. Nothing in my hand I bring, but only to Your cross, I cling.
No comments:
Post a Comment