I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? (part-18)

I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? (part-18)

PARTIALITY
When it comes to partiality, the scriptures provide instructions,
then follows them with an example.
We are given reasons why partiality is wrong.
    Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God
    chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world
    to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he
    promised to those who love him? (James 2:5-7)

Although the world may look down on the poor, God loves them.
You may ask the question, “Does He love the rich any less?” The
answer to that question is a firm “No”. Why? Because that
would be showing favoritism and God does not show partiality.

Of course it would be easy for God to love the poor a little more
because they are probably the most dependent on Him for everything
they need. But again, He wouldn’t be God if He showed favoritism,
so He doesn’t. Since their needs are greater, many would assume that
the poor are more responsive to the gospel than the rich. That line of
thinking assumes that material needs can cause us to be more receptive
to the “good news”.

However, we know that people have a variety of needs unrelated to wealth.
For instance some struggle with loneliness and others need encouragement
which can be difficult to find in a world of selfishness. Some can be going
through a difficult time and have a need for communication with a friend.
However their friend may not be sensitive be to their needs or they might be
so wrapped up in themselves that they ignore the needs of others, including
their friend. I’m sure we could list many more personal needs, but the point
is, wealth doesn’t exempt anyone from having needs that only God can fill,
either directly or indirectly (through others).

We see in the scriptures that the poor have a great reward awaiting them
when they fulfill God’s requirement to be “rich in faith”. What does it
mean to be ‘rich in faith’? I’m sure all of us have our own ideas, but
personally I believe it means to be genuine about your faith and to have
a desire to increase your faith daily.

I have heard it said that when a rich man was asked, “How much is enough”,
he replied, “Just a little more”. I think of faith in that same context. We
should have a desire to get ‘just a little more’ faith each day. One question
we may ask is, “How can I increase my faith?”

Some may say we should spend more time reading God’s Word. Although
I don’t disagree with that approach, I believe it begins with prayer. The
more we pray, the more we see prayers answered; the more we see
answered prayers, the more our faith is increased. So, if we want to
increase our faith, then we need to do both (read and pray).

What is the reward for being ‘rich in faith’? Inherit the kingdom promised
to those who love God. Is this a promise made only to the poor? Of course
not – that would be showing partiality. God makes the same promise to all
who do what? Love Him! How can we measure our love for the Lord? It is
proportional to our obedience to Him. The more we love Him, the more we
will obey His commands. The more we obey Him, the more we show our
love for Him. Look at what Jesus said.
    “If you love Me, keep My commands” (John 14:15)

    Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.
    My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make
    our home with them.” (John 14:23)

Just to be sure there is no misunderstanding,
we hear these words from God through Jesus.
    Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.
    These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the
    Father who sent me. (John 14:24)

Another reason it doesn’t make sense to show partiality to those
who are rich is – some of the rich often set themselves against God
and God’s people. Not only do they insult and exploit the poor, but
they also slander God’s name. They take the poor to court, withhold
their earned wages, and use their influential power to control the
courts to their advantage.
    But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who
    are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging
    you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming
    the noble name of him to whom you belong? (James 2:6-7)

We need to understand that these are not the actions of all the wealthy,
but it does identify some of them and can be a temptation for others.
I’m sure we have all seen or known of wealthy people who are quite
the opposite. Their faith is solid and sincere and they often help those
in need. Those with a sincere faith are very humble and prefer not to
be recognized for the good things they do.

Can you imagine how wealthy folks with these characteristics bring
a smile to the face of God? They are tempted the same as their peers,
but have chosen to follow the Lord rather than to be influenced by
the world and its set of guidelines.

The truth is we have all been made rich as a result of what Jesus did
for us on the cross. We may not be rich by worldly standards, but we
are rich where it is most important – in God’s eyes. If you haven’t
already, then take some time and thank your heavenly Father for
how He has made you; thank Jesus for His sacrifice for your sins;
thank the Holy Spirit for how He helps and encourages you in your
desire and efforts to obey God. When we do this, we will develop a
greater appreciation of the Trinity and how all three work together
to help us become more like Jesus (the One we believe in and follow).

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