January 28, 2002
LifeWay Family Bible Series for Feb. 10
There is no room for prejudice in God's house
___James 2:1-13
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___Let's do a quick review on the key word that has been the focus of our lessons since the beginning of January. An attitude is a mental position with regard to a fact or state, a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state, a negative or hostile state of mind, a cocky or arrogant manner. Now, let's add two more words to our vocabulary--prejudice and favoritism. "Prejudice" is defined as injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights; preconceived judgment or opinion. "Favoritism" is the showing of special favor, the state or fact of being a favorite--showing partiality.
___What is your attitude toward these news words? How do they make you feel? Did you have a moment of guilt prick your heart? I would hope we all could be honest here and admit we all have had a prejudiced moment in our lives at one time or another.
___How many times have you heard the illustration in a sermon about a homeless person walking into the worship service on a Sunday morning? The man or woman walks in and either sits on the back row or continues down the aisle to the front row. I'll admit the illustration has been shared in various forms and all with a distinct image in my mind. I always wondered how I would act and respond if put in the same situation, especially if the person wanted to sit next to me. I hoped and prayed I would allow Jesus to truly shine through me and not be turned off by the smell of an unclean person sitting next to me. Little did I know that I would encounter such a situation, but from a different perspective.
___It all began when I received a telephone call from a friend at a nearby church. She shared with me about the focus or theme of the next Sunday morning's worship service and wanted to know if I would help illustrate a particular point--prejudice. My assignment was to dress up as a homeless person and walk in during the worship service at a designated time. Wow! Here was an opportunity to become someone I wasn't and have the opportunity of seeing eyes staring at me with who-knows-what kind of attitude.
___It didn't take me long to say yes to the request and begin my preparation. I enlisted the help of a trusted friend, and we began to work on collecting clothing items and scents to help me look and smell the part of someone who was homeless. I arrived that Sunday morning and hid in a small room and began to dress the part. The clothes were rubbed in dirt and leaves. My hair was teased and an awful smelling liquid was put on my skin. Ashes were gently rubbed on my face, hands and clothes.
___I looked the part, and now I had to mentally feel the part. I closed my eyes and began to put myself in character. The humped shoulders, slow, shuffling walk, head slightly bent and eyes dulled all became me. The moment came for me to walk in the worship center doors and proceed inside. I slowly made my way down the aisle taking in the looks that came my way. I couldn't help but notice the eyes and how intent some were while others looked away.
___I sat down in a pew close to the front and remained for several minutes. I was then to get up and leave out the side door. To my utter amazement I sensed a person walking behind me. This was not a part of the illustration, I thought. And in a split second I realized that this woman's heart had been touched. She followed me out the door and asked if I would please come back in and sit with her. Her eyes showed compassion toward me. Now my heart was touched.
___Many adults are easily impressed by wealth and status. The rich and famous are esteemed, while the poor are disregarded. People are judged on the basis of their economic status, social standing and race. Prejudice is prevalent not only in society but also is present in churches. In some churches, people of low economic standing or different races are not welcomed or simply not encouraged to attend. In some cases, certain church prospects are favored for what they can do for the church while other unchurched people are ignored because they have little to offer.
___However, prejudice is sin. As believers, we are to show God's love to all people, regardless of status or race.
___What attitude will you take in regard to this sensitive topic? The passage of study is simple to read, but the challenge is to read it with an open heart and honest eyes. "Speak and act" knowing you are always heard and watched. Set aside a private time to read and reflect on these words. Ask the Father, who created and loves us all, to search your heart and reveal any prejudice or favoritism you might have. Daily seek God's strength to love another as he loves you.
___Questions for discussion
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