Prejudice - Part Two

Continuing on from yesterday, we read a small bit of what God's Word has to say about being judgemental and prejudiced:

"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way." Romans 14:12-13

Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11 both make mention of the fact that God is no respector of persons.

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:26-29

Dear sisters, my simple challenge for all of us today is to seek to know Him Who is the way, the truth and the life and to be so marked by truth that we are careful not to be informed by incorrect notions, biases and prejudices. 

If we are daughters of the Most High God, may our hearts, minds and lips be sealed, saved for what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. 

      

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

      Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things." Philippians 4:4-8

For those who don't know, I am an American; a person of color; black; there may be the temptation to assume I am saying this purely from the perspective of my race or ethnicity. I assure you this is not the case. At the same time it would be naÔve and ignorant of me to pretend to ignore the reality of the times in which we are now living. That is why I encourage and exhort us all to be about the One whose name and image we bear. Let's have zero tolerance for anything that stinks, smells, sounds, tastes or feels like a critcal, prejudging spirit lest we fall short of our calling, displease God and therefore tarnish the reputation of a Holy God. 

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Stephanie