“My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” James 2:1
At the young age of twenty I had moved away from the home of my parents and was only working part time. In search for work I got an interview at a John Hancock Insurance office hiring sales representatives. I wore the best shirt I had, a white Hawaiian shirt with a two-inch pattern along the bottom edge untucked (of course), dress pants and shoes. I can’t remember if I was smart enough at the time to get a haircut!
The interview did not go well if my memory is correct. All I can remember is that I was given a brief introduction into the John Hancock Company, who were looking for professionals, not an inexperienced young man as myself. Nor would they consider anyone who would dare to come to an interview in something other than a suit and tie (neither of which had I owned at the time). I left that office feeling beaten up and rejected, determined to never again enter into a John Hancock Office. After fifty-two years I’m fairly certain I never have.
What does this story have to do with showing favoritism? My interview would have likely gone completely different had I been neatly dressed in a suit, tie, and fresh haircut. I may not have been given an opportunity to join the company of professionals, but I likely would not have left that office feeling like grampa just scolded me at ten years old.
Over the years I have had the blessing of working under some very special supervisors who could tell me what I was doing wrong in a way that gave me encouragement to do better. They had my best interests in mind. They earned my respect.
Many different kinds of people will enter the church in search for God, acceptance and encouragement. Some will come neatly dressed in suits, ties, dresses and clothing worthy of worship. And some will simply come with the best they have. Everyone who enters must be met with an equal amount of the grace and love of the Lord Jesus who has accepted us just as we are. May we be eternally grateful for that.
May it never be that someone would come to the church in search for love, acceptance and encouragement but leave feeling rejected and determined to never again enter into God’s house!
Blessed by you…Bro. Sherman
Pastor Sherman Smith
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Medora
Brsherm3@gmail.com
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