Scripture Lesson: James 2:1-17.
Lifelong friendships seem to be the latest victim of our modern world. With all the things screaming for our time, it can be very difficult to make and maintain quality friendships. Some suggest we have moved to an era of FriendShifts, in which we shift from one friend to another as we move through the seasons of life.
Then we go to church and are told we should be reaching out to guests, offering friendships which so many people crave. Since nobody can reach out to everybody, we have to have some decision making process. Who should I approach and offer the gift of my time?
The world has a simple answer...reach out to the people who can help you get ahead. You know, the ones with lucrative contracts, season tickets, or social standing. It's called favoritism. And although it's common in the world, there's no room for it in the Church.
Now you would think that after 2,000 years of hearing that, the problem would be solved in the Church. But it's not. We play favorites based on appearance, ethnicity, age, reputation, ministry preferences...the list could go on and on. It betrays God's name. It is sin. It will be judged.
The truth is that being God's friend means being friends with God's friends. All of them. And just imagine if that really happened. Imagine if we allowed this Scripture to change the way we think. Imagine if we allowed it to change our attitudes. Imagine if we allowed it to change our lifestyles. Imagine!
The Church would shine light a light in a dark world. Many would be attracted to the truth, and come to faith in Jesus.
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