Hey there, champions of true equality!
Today, we’re putting on our gospel glasses to explore God’s perspective on equality – and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! We’ll discover how God’s view of equality, which is not based on worldly standards, supports an inclusional community. So let’s dive into James 2:5-7 and uncover the treasures of true equality.
5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?
James 2:5-7 (NLT)
In our world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race of comparison and trying to one-up each other. But God’s view of equality is entirely different. He sees each person as having immense value, regardless of their social status, wealth, or achievements. It’s a bit like looking at a field of wildflowers – each one is unique, beautiful, and an essential part of the landscape.
But there’s more to it! The gospel itself reminds us that no one can save themselves, and that we all need Jesus to do it all for us. Our spiritual worth is not determined by our bank accounts or job titles, but by the grace and mercy of God. It’s fitting that many who come to Christ are considered “nobodies” by the world’s standards – after all, Jesus himself became the ultimate Nobody for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9).
So, how does this relate to inclusional living? When we embrace true equality and adopt God’s perspective, we create communities where everyone feels welcome, respected, and cherished. We become more compassionate, understanding, and supportive of one another, realizing that we’re all on this crazy rollercoaster of life together.
Now, you might be tempted to think that reaching the pro athletes and policymakers with the gospel is the ultimate strategy. But let’s not forget that Jesus spent much of his time ministering to the poor and marginalized. His message is for everyone, and we shouldn’t prioritize one group over another.
So, champions of true equality, are you ready to level the playing field with God’s perspective? Let’s put on our gospel glasses, view others through the lens of love and inclusional mindset, and embrace the beauty and worth of each person we encounter.
How can you remind yourself to view others through the lens of God’s love and inclusional mindset while spreading the gospel equally to all people?
Today I will start my day with a grateful heart with prayer. Today those I come in contact with I will have a positive attitude, I will be slow to speak and quick to listen. I also pray that not only myself but for Joey and my mom to be more compassionate, understanding, and supportive of one another, realizing that we’re all on this crazy rollercoaster of life together and can get along better of Joshua. Amen have a great day everyone 💕🙏🏻
I think instead of reminding ourselves to share the Gospel to all people irrespective of who they might be. Instead I think we should just have a policy of sharing the Gospel message any chance we get. I believe this is a better policy because it also addresses other issues that may prevent us from sharing the Gospel outside of bias. Indeed the Gospel message is for all, we shouldn’t let our personal biases stop us from sharing it but we should be dependent on the power of God’s Word to pierce the hearts and minds of those we share it with.
I think the best way to remind myself to view others through the lens of God’s love and inclusional mindset would be, first and foremost, to remind myself daily of the gospel itself through His Word and prayer. In today’s daily Bible reading plan, we read, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8). His love for us, and our salvation, is not contingent on our own righteousness, (praise God for that!) “For God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Second, I try to remember where I came from! I spent about twenty years of my life addicted to drugs and alcohol, living on and off the streets, spitting in God’s face, and still (somehow) full of pride and ego. Yet, God loved me enough to show me a better way. He shined His light into the darkness of my life, and showered me with His amazing grace! If He did that for a depraved addict like me, who am I to exclude anyone as I share the gospel of life and hope that was so freely and undeservedly gifted to me??
“How can you remind yourself to view others through the lens of God’s love and inclusional mindset while spreading the gospel equally to all people?” They say that death is the great equalizer since we all die someday, but I’d say that it’s through Christ that we’re all equal. The cross is the ultimate reminder of that as Jesus didn’t just die for a select few of us. Nor did He die for the best, or the worst, but He died for all of our sins. So, through God’s lens, we’re all equal in the sense that we all need Jesus. In that sense, I can view others with the inclusional mindset that they need the gospel as equally as I need it. It doesn’t matter if they’re rich or poor as James puts it, we’re all equally dependent on God at the end of the day.
Today’s verses remind me of how God values the poor and how they can be rich in faith. Based on my experiences, I have found that it is easier to spread the Gospel to the poor than to the rich. This may be because wealthy people may not see the need for God’s help, as they already believe they have everything they need. However, the poor may be more willing to hear the Gospel as they may feel a greater need to depend on God to bless them. As a believer, it’s essential to remember that the Gospel is for everyone. Therefore, I must treat everyone with love and respect, spreading Gospel equally to all. I pray God to remind me to avoid biases to spread the Gospel to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.