Partiality, Don’t Go There!
Ever been left out? Judged? Dismissed with unknown reason? These things aren’t at all what our God wants. Ashley points us straight to God’s Word to remind us to look past the surface.
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” James 2:1
Sitting alone at a table that could easily seat eight, she stared down at her lunch without bothering to lift her fork to eat. The black hoodie, stringy hair, and dark eye makeup was the polar opposite of “normal wardrobe” in my world.
I watched her from my place at the crowded table that our group occupied daily. The noise around me swelled. I couldn’t help but wonder how I ended up here and she ended up there. Some people talked about her, some ignored her completely, but no one went over to her. No one went beyond what they saw across the crowded cafeteria.
Does this all too familiar scene resonate with you? Maybe you have been a part of it or witnessed it from afar; maybe you have heard about it happening in your kids’ school; maybe it’s happened to you. Partiality is the tendency to treat a person, group, or thing better than another. Today, let’s look at a few ways to make the effort to help your kids love everyone at school, not just the people who “sit at our table”.
- Look beyond the label. We have to see beyond how people dress, who they might hang out with, or where they’re from. James reminds us, through a story about a rich man and a poor man… “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” James 2:1
- Level the playing field. Maybe there is somebody at school who is always getting in trouble? Maybe it’s hard to like them and easier to just feel better about yourself…“I’d never do that” or “Can you believe what they did in class today?” But remember we will all mess up at one point or another. We are ALL sinners (Romans 3:23). God judges us all equally and forgives us all equally when we ask for it. “For God shows no partiality.” Romans 2:9-11 So next time how can you help your child show forgiveness to that kid in class?
- Jesus is Lord of ALL. Today EVERYONE can know that Jesus is their Savior. We are all equal in God’s eyes. “So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him…preaching Good News of peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all).’” Acts 10:34-36 Isn’t it great that God loves us all equally?
It’s ok to talk about our differences and embrace them. God made us unique and he treasures each of us. I’m so thankful God loves us all and has given us the opportunity to share that with everyone and not just “the people at our table”.
Camper Corner
Kids, think of one person in your class you wouldn’t normally choose to sit with at lunch and ask them to eat lunch at your table. You might be surprised what you have in common!
