Special Treatment

There are stories about players being so talented that their teams felt it necessary to give special treatment. Barry Bonds had his own corner of the clubhouse when he played for the San Francisco Giants. When Manny Rameriz was with the Boston Red Sox, the phrase “Manny Being Manny” was said on a regular basis to reflect the superstar’s unique behavior. Both of these players have posted great numbers in their careers, but the favoritism they received may have cost their teams greater success.

We are also told not to play favorites in our lives as Christians (James 2:1). We are told not to judge by appearances or by monetary riches (James 2:2-3). In fact, Jesus said that we should seek to hold dinners for the poor, crippled, lame, and blind rather than for friends, family, and the rich who can repay the invitation (Luke 14:12-14). Furthermore, even slave owners were told not to show favoritism towards the treatment of free men versus their slaves because God is our Master and there is no favoritism with Him (Ephesians 6:9).

We serve a God that “...accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right” (Acts 10:34). Furthermore, God told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height...Man looks at the outward appearance,but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). So, let us practice loving each other regardless of ability, charisma, or stature.

I Want That!

You may remember the scene from Napoleon Dynamite where Uncle Rico is trying to get a couple to buy a 24-piece set of Tupperware. As soon as he gets out the miniature ship that comes with the 24-piece set, the lady in the scene goes “I want that!” You can tell that no matter how good or bad the product is, she is willing to pay the price to get that ship.

This got me to thinking…how often do folks look at Christians and see enough of Christ to go “I want that!” We are clearly told in that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, Proverbs 3:17-18 tells us that wisdom’s “ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” Proverbs 24:5 adds that “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.” That sounds pretty appealing, doesn’t it?

So, what is this wisdom? James 3:17 tell us that it is “first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” What should we do if we lack wisdom? James 1:5-6 says “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God…and it will be given to him. But he must believe and not doubt…” Therefore, we have to not only ask God, but believe that He wants what is best for us, including provision of His wisdom as He gives freely. Then we can live lives filled with peace that are full of mercy and good fruit that others will want for themselves.