ESOCS Devotional 4 April 2021
TEXT: JAMES 2:1-13
MEMORY VERSE: “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James 2:9 KJV
Part of the sanctification process that God the Father would like to start with each and every one of us is to make sure that our minds get properly renewed according the knowledge and revelation that is in His Word. In other words, we have to learn how to develop right thinking in our minds and in our thought process. In order to get our minds properly renewed where we can start thinking right about things, the Holy Spirit will be moving very strongly to put in what He wants you to be thinking right about, and taking out what He does not want you to be thinking about.
One of the very first areas that you will really need to get a grip on in this area is to learn that God the Father is no respecter of persons. What this means is that every single man and woman He has ever created is on an equal footing with Him. He has an equal and unconditional love for each person He has ever created and He is not going to be playing favorites with anyone.
We always judge people by their appearances and are unable to treat people correctly without realizing that this is a sin. God examines the innermost heart of man. If one doesn’t have reverence for God in his heart but judge other people by their appearances, not only will he misjudge people, but it also leads to terrible consequences. For example, when the Lord Jesus became flesh to do the work of redemption in the Age of Grace, those who served God in the temple—the chief priest, scribes, and Pharisees—saw that the Lord Jesus had an ordinary appearance and didn’t come from a rich family; they belittled, made cutting remarks, condemned, and even blasphemed Him, and finally nailed Him to the cross. Isn’t this because they didn’t listen to the truth expressed by Jesus but judged Him by His appearance?
God teaches, “External appearance does not determine substance.” What’s more, the work of God has never conformed with the conceptions of man. Did not the outward appearance of Jesus conflict with the conceptions of man? Were not His appearance and dress unable to provide any clues as to His true identity? Was not the reason why the earliest Pharisees opposed Jesus because they merely looked at His external appearance, and did not take to heart the words that He spoke?
The Pharisees’ failure in their belief in God warns us not to judge anyone by his external appearance or whether or not he has prominent status and identity; but see that whether or not he fears God, obeys God or loves God. Thus, we can receive God’s protection.
Setting yourself up as judge leads to conflict and broken relationships. Humbly submitting to God and His Word and obediently seeking to love and build up others leads to harmony and restored relationships. The next time you’re tempted to run down someone, remember James’ pointed question, “But who are you who judge your neighbor?” Judge yourself instead!
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
Are there ways you have looked down or judged people in time past? Amend your ways.
PRAYER POINT
Ask God to give you grace to treat people without favouritism to the glory of His name.
FURTHER READING:
1 Peter 2:2-9; 2 Timothy 2:14-26
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ESOCS Devotional 4 April 2021
