DEVOTION
ROMANS
RESPECT WHO?
Rom 1:14-15
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
NIV
What system do we employ to determine which of us is worth more then another? Is it our level of education, or professional level of achievement? Perhaps it might be our financial success, the size and location of our home, what kind of car we drive and the label on our clothes. Maybe it might even be our position in the body of Christ, having achieved a particular level of recognition. One thing I know for certain, we, the bulk if not all of humankind, use a system based on the outward evidences, as we see in this passage.
1 Sam 16:7
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
NIV
And yet we see Paul may well have worked through this valuation process based on the outward appearance and see these people, all people as having the same value to God and thus to himself. Should I not take a lesson from this? Should I not then respect everyone? As I will discuss in further detail latter,
Rom 2:11
1 For God does not show favoritism.
NIV
If all are equal in His eyes, then…….who am I to think differently?
O Lord, help me to see all people through your eyes, and though your heart.
Those who are smarter, those who are not
Those who are richer, those who are not
Those who are thinner, those who are not
Those who are more successful, those who are not
Those who know you, those who do not
Those who are big shots, those who are not
Those who are Americans, those who are not
And whatever else differences there are
1 comment:
Thanks Rich. I think so many churches judge who they want in their congregation by these standards instead of looking at the heart, but then I have caught myself looking (or not looking) at homeless people.
A problem for me is if they are not really clean. Now I have to admit in the churches I have attended, this hasn't been a problem. However way back in the 70's, I went to a mission in downtown Chicago and sang. They had to listen or didn't get any supper, lol.
Anyway, one man came to my car and offered to help me bring in the equipment. He smelled of alcohol and was extremely shaky. There I was dressed in my finest, thinking that I was going to a really nice place. I think that day made me grow spiritually almost more than some other experiences I have had over the years.
Those men (men's shelter) who had no place to eat or sleep or go to during the day, came up and told me how much they enjoyed what I had shared. The same as in a church where I was comfortable and knew everyone. Sheltered? Very, but God teaches all of us in different ways.
Thanks for your devotions, Rich. I enjoy them.
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