"Those People"

One thing that continues to shock and disappoint me is the fact that even after so many generations we continue to look down on and exclude people. We still refer to people who do not fit our social status, color, gender or mold as "them" or "those people," and we sometimes refuse to associate or even include them. Such an attitude is a direct opposition to the teaching of the Gospel.

Jesus faced this same dilemma centuries ago. Jesus associated with so called "sinners," the "outcaste" the "second class citizens," "Gentiles (anyone who was not part of the Jewish race)," and yes, even with "those people." And, upon reading the Gospels we see that Jesus received a lot of heat from this. The Religious Leaders in Jesus’ day labeled him a "sinner" for associating with people, who in their eyes, were considered "unclean."

But Jesus rebukes them time and time again. He reminds them that true spirituality is not determined by your social status, color, gender, political affiliation, ethnicity, handicap and so forth, but rather, it’s determined by your heart!

The Bible teaches us that God is no respecter of persons! God sees the world and people through entirely differently lenses then the lenses you and I are looking through. God sees our potential. He sees his children. God doesn’t see color, gender or any of the other things that differentiate us from one another; instead, God sees the creation he has made in his own image. The creation he loves. And what's more, God wants his creation to love and serve him and one another. When we exclude or do not associate with others simply because they are different from us, then we are excluding and not associating with God. Sure, there are times when we must sever ourselves from individuals, for various reasons that can be justifiable. But we must see each other through the eyes of God. Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 25; "‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me’" (Matthew 25:37-40). Furthermore, God calls us all to ministry! God calls us all to be ministers - to be those who share Christ's love with one another!

One of my favorite hymns in the Chalice Hymnal is; "O For a World." Typically, when we sing on Sunday mornings we get so caught up in the music that we miss the message of the lyrics. Therefore, I encourage you to read these words and consider its powerful message:

"O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved,
Where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.
We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice
That opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.
The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise.
Tell all who mourn; outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.
O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
Where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease."

This is the world I pray for, yet, I know that such a world will not be until we begin to love one another and see each other through the eyes of God. Love has the power to exchange evil for good, sinfulness for righteousness, judgment for forgiveness, hate for grace and walls for bridges. And friends, we know that such a world will not be fully manifested until Christ returns, but until then let’s work for such a world, let’s continue praying; "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven..." But more than pray that prayer, let’s do our part in having that petition be answered. As the old farmer/preacher used to say; "Don’t just say, ‘Amen!’ Say ‘Amen’ with a hoe in your hand."