Equality, Partiality & Politics: Unsettling Issues

I'm sure there are all sorts of things that can rub all of us the wrong way if certain buttons are pushed that aggravate us for some reason or another. For me, it's the issue of equality. I'm not referring to male and female equality but rather true equality in regards to all people in general. How can we say that we believe in equality when we show partiality toward certain people based on wealth, race, and/or status of importance? Are we not all made out of the same stuff? We have a tendency to elevate people like celebrities or people in some sort of "spotlight." While there are individuals whom we admire for achievement or success, why is it that we so often place certain people on pedestals and others on a dirt floor? There is no place for "politics" in true Christian living.

James, the Apostle, has had to remind me of this many times in his epistle. James chapter 2 has so much to say on this issue: "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 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? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors."

True equality sees everyone as equally unique and special regardless of achievement or recognition...a creation of God; not to be compared to another person but to be loved just the same as anyone else. We have a tendency to elevate those with high-paying jobs, education, and talent, while giving no attention to the "average Joe," in whom we all really are. God pity the person who sees themselves as "above average." ALL OF US are in Need of Jesus Christ...ALL OF US are imperfect; ALL OF US Need a Savior.

Jesus was born to die for EACH ONE OF US regardless of our backgrounds! He gives ALL OF US an opportunity to respond to His Truth...if we confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus Christ (declaring that we believe in Him and asking Him to forgive us of our sins) He promises to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness. I'm so glad He didn't over look simple me! After responding to His Truth, He enables us to love others as He first loved us = Unconditionally and Without Partiality...God, help us to be the people You have created us to be.