In January I set out for a journey we call the World Race. Little did I know that all my views about the world would be “Shattered.” Traveling from Fort Lauderdale Florida to Colombia seemed so long ago, yet it was just January, when Colombia would be my first experience outside the US.
To reach new countries and ministry locations, we travel on multiple 20+ bus rides. You get to see many things. I feel asleep to floods and traffic jams, on the ride from Lima to Cusco in Peru, only to awaken to desert. The scenery over the mountains was breath taking. There are sights that are not as breath taking along the journey. Hut houses, poverty, people on the streets. I come to realize that poverty is everywhere. All parts of every nation.
When visting mall, major cities, family restaurants, it is easy to forget what is right outside. You see, I thought the world was much different then the United States. I come to realize life in the same context, has the same issues. We all sin, we have rich, we have poor, yet how often is a blind eye turned in our comfort?
James Chapter 2 is a powerful truth about partiality. Why favor a man who is Rich in the church over the poor? Have a good seat for the rich, yet tell to poor to sit here?This does not just apply to the church. In secular culture today, a powerful movement is to only associate with people who have something to offer. Can help you grow in life or career. Is perceived as above you by cultural standards, in order to lift you up to their level. What a sad outlook on life. How often do we not want to be bothered with the screaming, angry, hurt, dismayed, etc. Yet Jesus own disciples were far from perfect when being discipled. Personally, I would rather take an honest, broken man, over a dishonest man who tells you what you want to hear. Which is closer to the cross?
I leave this blog with a challenge for you. Is there people in your life you are neglecting because you do not want to “deal” with them? Is it justified by faith or selfishness? How does God look at those you come across? Do you view them the same as our father? Are we all not equal in our fathers eyes?
Stay safe until the next blog, my friends. 🙂
