Wisdom is Impartial

Chuckle: A man traveling in southern Oklahoma was heading toward Texas. He saw a sign reading, "Last chance for $3.00 gas." So even though he still had a quarter tank, he stopped to fill up. As he was paying for his gas, he asked the clerk, "How much is gas in Texas?" The clerk answered , "2:75."

Quote: "What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." --Albert Pike

A WISE PERSON IS IMPARTIAL

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17 NIV). "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34 NIV). "Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism" (Colossians 3:25 NIV).

The Dictionary defines "impartial" as being unbiased, just, and fair in our dealings with others. Being impartial with people is the opposite of showing favor to some at the expense of others. Several places in Scripture, including our passages, we are reminded that God has no favorites and is impartial when it comes to showing His love, grace, and mercy. Every person is equally precious in God's sight. Jesus died for that unkempt homeless person asleep under the bridge just as much as He died for you and me. However, this is often lost on us as "Christians."

We have our favorites and are much more comfortable around people who look, talk, act, and maybe even smell like us. We are sometimes tempted to reach out to only certain people with the gospel message, and to invite to church only people we think will "fit in" with our congregation. Jesus reached out to the poor, sick, hungry, and others who were shunned by society. In light of Jesus' actions, what should be our attitude? "My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others" (James 2:1 NLT).

If we find ourselves being partial to the wealthy, well-dressed, and influential over the poor, needy, and powerless, we sin. God views all people as equals, and if He favors anyone, it is the poor and powerless. Being partial to some people may be much more subtle than between rich and poor, powerful and powerless. Our partiality can raise its ugly head because we just like some people more than others. Maybe they have done special favors for us; or maybe they are just pleasant people to be around -- fun to be with. But if our partiality causes us to withhold our love, benevolence, and sharing the love of Christ, I believe we sin. The Bible says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 4:17 NIV). Ouch!!

Love, Jerry & Dotse