Theme: CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Text: “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:” – James 2:2,3
Comment: Gold ring, goodly apparel, and vile raiment are outside factors that are used by some to categorize people, which as far as social justice is concerned are irrelevant, seeing God created all men equal, and it is expected that none be preferred over and above the other. As worshippers of God, we should acknowledge His goodness in bringing the rich and the poor together and we should always treat everyone equally as equity and fairness are the hallmarks of those who are the disciples of Jesus Christ indeed.
We have a lot to learn from the words of the woman, Hannah in the Bible, she declared: “…Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory …” (1 Samuel 2:2,3,7,8) God judges us without discrimination; we too should also not prefer one person to the other because of money. Christ said: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” – John 7:24.