James 2:1-4. 1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 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,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
For the past few days I have been in a Caribbean country where discrimination is rampant. It is observed at all levels of the society. Prejudice has survived for generations with the people and they have come to accept it and live side by side knowing their place. Those with lighter skin tones are given preference and attention. Servants do not dare to question or disagree with their masters, on the streets; drivers with the latest shiny cars stand out and seem to assume a certain right to the road as they drive by the less fortunate. I see this even in the churches or, watching those in authority in the body of Christ. Intolerance is so deep-rooted in the society that it is routine, the perpetrators as well as the victims appear to be oftentimes clueless of the bigotry that is taking place; and it all happens with well meaning people. Some visitors to this country seem to also fall for this unacceptable habit.
God is not happy with such a way of life. Every person in our world is made in the image of God Himself, “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Be careful not to fall into this wrongdoing as prejudice, or feelings of superiority are nothing less than sin to God.