NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “on the level”. On the level is an idiomatic expression that means being honest, truthful or fair in our dealings with other people. James addresses the issue of favouritism or discrimination between the rich and the poor in the church. We shall proceed to understand the importance of being on the level in our churches.

It is important to be on the level or be fair with everyone in the Church of Christ because a person’s worth in the house of God is not determined by his or her economic status. James admonished the recipients of his letter that “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?… If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” (James 2:1-4,8-9). Dear friend, it is a convention in the world that a person’s worth is generally determined by his or her economic and social status. When we observe social events and their sitting arrangements, it is usually the rich and affluent in society who are given high seats. The focus is mainly on them. Those places are usually designated “Very important personalities” (VIP). When it comes to worldly arrangements and events, discrimination or favouritism is at the root of the organisation and treatment given to people. The Church is also a social gathering but one that is founded on the level, all are treated fairly regardless of their social status. We are not in the church because of our social status nor are we there to occupy high or low seats to prove our affluence or economic status. We are members of the church because we are saved by grace and not by wealth or poverty! Church leaders must be discerning less they are drawn into the temptation of not being on the level with members of the Church. Jesus was on the level with all manner of people, he associated with both the rich and the poor, hence the church is the only place where there is no difference between the rich and the poor, we all seat on the same pews to worship God. Those who sit on the chancel are there because they are either part of the clergy or have an important role to play in the liturgy.

We must be careful not to establish classism, favouritism or discrimination in the Church of Christ by giving special places and seats to people merely because they are wealthy, influential or financiers of Church projects. There are times we have made the gross mistake as a church by giving the place of even clergy or officiating ministers to political figures or people who are considered affluent in society. What about the poor woman who cleans the chapel every Sunday morning? what about the poor person who comes to arrange the seats and run errands for the church anytime he or she is called upon? Why are they not also given high seats or recognition in the Church? It is because, in the eyes of society, they are nonentities? Jame admonishes us that “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonoured the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?” (James 2:5-7). Although James is not referring to all rich people, it is important to note that those who are more likely to exploit their workers, drag people to court at the least provocation and have less reverence for God are unrepentant wealthy people. Yet some churches or church leadership for that matter, are not very much concerned about the salvation of these unrepentant affluent people but are in the business of trading social recognition for financial support with such people. Another sad development is that in some Churches, a wealthy person who usually supports the Church is soon rewarded with a leadership position whether or not the person has moral and spiritual qualities. However, a poor person who may have all the qualities needed for Christian leadership is totally ignored or rejected. Both the wealthy and poor people with godly qualities must be given the same opportunity in the House of God to serve. Peter confessed that “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35) Again Jesus assures us “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21). In other words, a person’s wealth or poverty is not the determinant of his or he salvation, God does not show favouritism among those who do His will. Let us be on the level or be honest and fair to all regardless of their social status. Let us make our salvation and spiritual empowerment the focus of our gathering in the Church.

In summary, the theme for our reflection is “on the level” We have discussed the fact that it is important to be on the level or to be honest and fair to everyone in the Church because we have all been saved by grace and called by an impartial God regardless of our social and economic status. May the Holy Spirit empower us to eschew all forms of discrimination or favouritism in the Church.

PRAYER

How do we treat the members of your Church? Do we treat them on the bases of their social and economic statuses? Does our church recognise the efforts of the poor? In which ways can we do away with discrimination or favouritism in our Church?

Holy Spirit, regardless of our socio-economic statuses and affluence, grants us the spirit of discernment and the will to continually make the Church a place of joy, peace, unity and love devoid of any form of favouritism. May nothing else but our Lord Jesus Christ be the only reason for our gathering and worship as a Church. Amen.