My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!” and either ignore the street person or say, “Better sit here in the back row,” haven’t you segregated God’s children and proved that you are judges who can’t be trusted? Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens!
James 2:1-5 (MSG)
On my early morning drive to church, a pastor on the radio preached about James 2. At the exit from the highway, I pondered his message.
On many occasions, men begged at that stoplight but rarely on my way to church. However, that day, a man holding a sign that said-God bless you- stood near my car.
I averted my eyes from him as my mind quickly thought of beggars who try to guilt drivers by writing messages about God on their cardboard signs. Then a nudge by the Holy Spirit reminded me of the bag in my backseat. I grabbed a plastic bag with a bottle of water, granola bar and devotional. The man smiled as he took the gift.
The delayed light gave us time to talk. “Thank you,” he said. “God bless you.”
“I am on my way to church,’’ I replied.
A huge smile spread across his face as he raised his hands toward the sky. “I go to church at 9:30 at Sanlando. Do you go there?”
“No, I go to Northland,” I answered as the light changed.
Our short, but meaningful exchange, played over and over in my mind and touched my heart. What perfect timing with the Scripture from James and the man by the road.
I have no idea why he was at the corner but his sign was sincere. I could have ignored him and missed an important lesson God had for me.
As a greeter at church, people enter who are dressed well, some rather shabby and all kinds in-between. Outward appearances mask what is inside whether they wear fancy clothes or well-worn ones.
I was almost like the priest who passed the beaten man on the road as he hurried to perform his priestly duties. I could have passed him since I was on my way to church to serve those who entered our building.
My job isn’t to judge but to welcome them all like Jesus whether I am volunteering at church or in the community.
Loving Father, help us to be kind in all types of situations. You know what people are going through when we don’t. Open our hearts to love those around us even when it is difficult.
Amen
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