Scripture Meditation

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? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
James 2:2-5

Today’s Thought

The wealthy run the world. They get the most comfortable seats on airplanes. They get the best seats at sporting events. They have the privilege of traveling around the world to experience everything it has to offer. In short, the world caters to the rich. That’s the world, though. The Church is called to be different. Pure and undefiled religion is to take care of widows and orphans (James 1:27). Jesus was clear that the last shall be the first, and the first shall be the last. The greatest among you will be your servant. The meek are the ones who will inherit the earth. The widow who gave two coppers was more righteous than the wealthy who gave out of their abundance.

The world caters to the wealthy in hopes of gaining something back from them. The Church is to be different from the world. There should be no favoritism toward those who are able to offer something in return. God calls his people to provide for the needs of others, physical and spiritual, regardless of whether or not they can pay it back. After all, aren’t blessings from God much better than blessing from man?

Prayer

Father, help me to serve others regardless of whether or not they can offer something in return. Let me see the image of you on the inside instead of the worldly circumstances on the outside.