No Respecter of Persons
"...but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism." -Romans 2:10-11
Sometimes, rather unintentionally, we as the body of Christ can develop a superstar mentality. We may have had a revelation of our identity in God, but it becomes a little warped. Our confidence in Christ moves into the territory of pride. Since we are the ones who are called to save the earth, we think we are the best thing that's happened to this planet. We develop circles around who is the coolest Christian. Others may feel as though we are better than them when they are around us. We may feel that we have something extra special to contribute to the body of Christ because of our gifts or talents.
But do you know what? God doesn't think this way. He loves each and every one of us the same.
God doesn't care whether you're Brittany Spears or Mother Theresa, a person who has heard God's voice 1,000 times or someone who would say they've never heard God personally - He loves each of us without measure.
We become closer to God when we choose to seek more after Him. Then, we inherit more of His promises over our lives, due to our obedience and revelation of His word. But this choice on our behalf does not mean we ought to think more highly of ourselves. In contrast, becoming more like Christ is about dying to self, although it is the most fulfilling thing in the world to be used by Him.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Galatians 2:20)
When we develop a hierarchy of fellowship we can step into dangerous waters. Anything that tries to separate us or others from the love of God or make us feel "less than" is not of Him. It is actually contrary to who God is! "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
Let us all walk in humility as we seek to draw others toward a fulfilling, lasting relationship and destiny in Jesus.
Related resource: Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation William C. Placher
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