DCLM Daily Manna 29 July 2026: Christianity’s All-Time Impact
KEY VERSE
“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors” (James 2:9).
Bible Reading: James 2:1-9 (KJV)
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
READ OTHER DCLM DAILY DEVOTIONAL HERE
Christianity and its adherents have indisputably been described as humanity’s revolutionary “pioneers for legal equality”. In his seminal study, Real Faith, the American evangelist, Mark Driscoll, writes: “Christians broke ground on the battle for…equality… The Bible from beginning to end describes God’s heart for the poor and commands His people to be generous (and respectful) toward those who possess little or nothing…Christianity does not allow us to equate net worth with self-worth.”
Apostle James’ inspired dictum on how not to treat the underclass in the Church or society is but a slice of the unequivocal stand of Christ on the matter. As He walked the streets during His ministry, the Lord never contemned the poor or wretched sinner because of their socioeconomic status. He was (still is) their Friend. He brought down all class distinctions and taught His disciples that His Father’s love extends to all humanity, beyond Jewry, religion or politics.
Great changes, movements and reforms over the generations along with the emergence of landmark constitutions such as that of the United States in 1787, have a heavy and unmistakable infusion of the teachings of Christianity on the equality of all men and women. This attests to the inerrant position of our Lord that He brought a message meant to transform lives for a rancour-free relationship among men, and prepare us for a hereafter of harmonious experience. The Lord does not expect Christians to wear a partisan or condescending outlook in our assembly or outside it.
Christianity has given the world a “royal law” that disavows looking down on the deprived in order to please the rich. James says those who flout such a creed that has benefited humanity are “transgressors”. We do not only need to embrace the law wholeheartedly in the home and in our congregations, we also need to practise it in our workplaces. We must be doers of the Word.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The ripple effects of the advent of Christ are ageless
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Ephesians 1-3
DCLM Daily Manna 29 July 2026
