“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
James 2:1-4
The other day as I drove into a restaurant parking lot, I was cut off by two beach boys on a brand new motorcycle. They whooped it up as they parked their bike, shaking sand from their dirty sweatpants and sleeveless T-shirts. They plopped on the curb to lace up their oversized tennis shoes and rummaged through their fanny packs for cigarettes. I notice that one boy wore two earrings… in both ears. I also noticed they parked on the white line of my handicap parking space.
Strutting into the restaurant, they proceeded to act tough while standing in line. I wheeled up behind them, deliberating whether or not I should say something. I was just ready to open my mouth when the kid with earrings turned, looked at me, and asked in a small voice, “Ma’am, excuse me, is your name Joanie?”
Bother! This snotty kid was about to be nice to me and I suddenly felt like Jonah, who got irritated because those rotten Ninevites started to turn soft. The boy continued, “I saw your movie when I was little and I used to go to Calvary Church up the road.”
I sat there convicted as we talked about his wayward faith. I need to remember that people God places in my path are usually those with whom He wants me to share His love — even lost and lonely beach boys in California.
Lord of even the lost, help me not to play favorites when I witness. May I share Your love with all… and with no favoritism.
