READING: James 2-5, 1 Peter 1-3
May I be vulnerable and honest with you today? When I was a young pastor (I began pastoring full-time at age 20), it didn’t take me long to find myself tempted to connect more with people who seemed to have money than with those who seemed to have less. Looking back, I recognize that my youthful failure was based on at least four things: (1) my sinfulness, (2) my upbringing, when financial difficulties cost my family much, (3) my desire to be near people whose giving made a difference, and (4) my sinfulness still . . . .
As I think back, I don’t recall often intentionally making the decision to favor the wealthier, but the temptation was real nonetheless. I knew our church had bills to pay in the present and funds to raise for future building—and it was simply too easy to lean into those who could most contribute to both. That’s why James’ works in James 2 are both convicting and helpful to me today. I don’t think it’s wrong to challenge wealthier people to give, but it’s certainly wrong to favor them over others because of what we might get in turn. There is no place for playing favorites in God’s church.
After all, we’re all still sinners in need of grace, no matter how many dollars we have. And, the need for grace that marks all of us regardless of economic position has a way of putting us all on a level playing field.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you ever play favorites?
PRAYER: “God, I praise You that Jesus is the best.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Peter 4-5, 2 Peter 1-3, 1 John 1
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