Like this clay pot that I took a picture of today, I am a vessel. How I choose to be filled is up to me. I want to be filled with those things that are pleasing and honoring to God. What matters to God? What matters to me? One aspect of this question is answered in James 2:1-3.
[01] My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. [02] Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. [03] If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
As a follower of Jesus, I am honor-bound to treat everyone with love and respect . . . to show no favoritism, no prejudice. But what is honor? An honorable person has integrity, tells the truth, is committed to doing the right thing, is honest, couragious, accountable, trustworthy, and takes pleasure in serving others. If I have the virtues of honor, I can do no less than treat everyone with love and respect. This is one of the most difficult things in the world to do. Think about it. Are there those that I (you) look at differently? Do I think about someone who dresses all in black differently than I do someone who dresses in bright colors? Do I talk to someone of a different color or nationality the same as I do someone who looks like me? How about a homeless man . . . do I treat him differently than I do a man who drives a Mercedes and goes home each night to a huge house? Do I have the same conversation with someone in my fellowship class as I do with someone at work? If I answered no to any of these questions, then am not being filled with the right thing . . . not being filled with the Spirit.
God looks at the heart, not at the exterior. I am honor-bound to do the same.
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