July 18, 2016: SOAP #2419: Isaiah 32-35; James 2

Scripture: James (NIV) 2:1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 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,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Observation:    The issue is value and respect.

Application: First: Man was created in the image and likeness of God. I should value and respect people for they carry His image and likeness.

Second: I have seen works of art that were beautiful in my eyes, but they were not worth nearly as much as another that did not appeal to me nearly as much. The difference was the artist. The value was based on the painter. And so it is with people. I should value and respect every person based on His Creator.

Third: The value of our home is based on what someone was will to pay for a similar home in a similar neighborhood. And so it is with people. Their value is based on what someone paid. I should value and respect every person according to what God the Father paid for their redemption.

Fourth: Some things are more valuable because of what they contain. Ore that contains gold has more value than ore that contains copper. And so it is with people. I should value and respect people in whom Christ dwells by His Spirit based on my value of God’s Presence.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, remind me of these thoughts when I need them most. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!