Prejudices That God Condemns

Chuckle: A child's comment on the Bible: "Lot's wife was a pillar of salt during the day, but a ball of fire during the night."

Quote: "One may no more live in the world without picking up the moral prejudices of the world than one will be able to go to hell without perspiring." --H. L. Mencken

PREJUDICES THAT GOD CONDEMNS

"Then Peter replied, 'I see very clearly that God doesn't show partiality. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right'" (Acts 10:34-35 NLT).

In my ministry, I have actually heard church members say words like: "We don't want that kind of people in our church. They would not fit in. They are not like us, etc." How sad for us not to realize that the church was not instituted solely to make us feel comfortable, but as a living organism, powered by the Holy Spirit, with a mission of making disciples of All people, without exception. God expressly condemns prejudices based on:

Outward appearances. Prejudicial views toward people based on color, size, shape, or dress, offend our Lord. "Don't judge by his appearance or height. . . . The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions" (I Samuel 16:7 NLT). A person’s real value is on the inside.

Unconcern for the poor. God has a special concern for the poor. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible; it is a command that may require a change of attitude. God specifically condemns prejudicial actions against the poor. "Those who oppress the poor insult their Master, but those who help the poor honor him" (Proverbs 14:31 NLT).

Favoring the wealthy. God condemns favoring the wealthy and socially elite over the poor and needy. We should not ignore the wealthy, but we must not favor them for what they can do for us or for our church. God wants us to understand that wealth is not necessarily a measure of character -- and certainly not a measure of a person's value to God. "But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin" (James 2:9 NLT).

Social class. We need to remember that God loves people from both sides of the tracks. We must be careful not to only love people who look like us, act like us, talk like us, or even smell like us. During his earthly ministry, Jesus spent much of his time ministering to the needs of the poor, sick, and socially shunned people. Example: the Samaritan woman at the well.

Age. In many societies, the elderly are honored and provided tender care. However, In our society, youth is worshipped and the elderly do not always receive the respect and care they deserve and need.  The Bible speaks on this subject. "Never speak harshly to an older man (person), but appeal to him respectfully as though he were your own father. . . ." (1 Timothy 5:1 NLT). Physical age does not necessarily translate into spiritual maturity, but older Christians often have great wisdom to share and should be made to feel loved and valued.

Our love should be equal for all people because of who they are -- God's precious creation, whom he loved enough to give his one and only Son to die for their sins. When we harbor prejudices against others for any reason, we are being disobedient and committing sin in the eyes of our Lord. "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians -- you are one in Christ" (Galatians 3:28 NLT).

Love, Jerry & Dotse