Truth Connections, November 9, 2009

Treat Everyone Equally Part One: Don’t Show Favoritism
Background Passage: James 2:1-13
Today’s Focal Passage: James 2:1-4

This week’s lessons are about relating to others without prejudice or favoritism.


“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as anyone had a need”
(Acts 4:32-35, HCSB).

From the outside they probably looked like crazy people! Who is really joined together in unity like this? Were they really so unified that they shared everything with one another? Were they really so bold in their declaration of Jesus and His resurrection? Suddenly after years of need, everyone had everything he needed both physically and spiritually. It was a time of great excitement and change for members of the early church. However, outsiders scrutinized everything they did or said. Do you think the early church worried about their reputation? Maybe some, but their actions demonstrate that they were more concerned about obeying Jesus, even if it meant changing their lifestyles or risking everything. Instead of worrying about their reputations, they knew Jesus’ reputation was on the line. So they chose to live in order to measure up to Jesus’ standard, not the world’s expectations. What do others see when they look at the church today? Do they see a body of unity where anyone can go and be included and accepted? Or do they see a group of crazy people who exclude others?