We worked for a man in south Texas. Before we owned our own business, my husband was a manager of this man’s ranch. When people would meet this man, they would think he had not a dime to his name. However, nothing could have been further from the truth. This man, who is now deceased, owned uranium, cattle, oil, thousands of acres of land, houses, gravel pits, and many other assets. He even owned a bank in town. Appearances can be very deceiving.
In this same town, a doctor came for a visit the local congregation. Before they knew he was a doctor, some of the members didn’t say much to him. Once they found out, he received all kinds of attention. He and his wife eventually left for a larger congregation, but I never forgot the message. Whether we admit it or not, we tend to treat others differently if they have the appearance of wealth, position, education or looks. Those who have manual labor jobs are treated much differently than those who do not.
I have often wondered if our Lord returned in person if He would be welcomed. He had no degree, no money, no home nor a place to lay His head, and was not especially handsome.
“For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:2
“And Jesus told him, “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest. Luke 9:58
“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
We should treat others as we wish to be treated. As the saying goes. “All that glitters is not gold.”
“Be jealous of me, I’m fabulous.
Haircut and Treatment = $500
Gucci Shades = $500
Botox and Facials = $7,000
Prada Jacket = $1,000
Armani Top = $200
Jewelry and Rolex = $50,000
Coach Purse = $800
Prada Skirt = $1000
Masseuse = $1000
Louboutin Stilletos = $1,000
“I’m also $63,000 in debt.” ~ Unknown.
Sometimes the best dressed can be the poorest and the best looking face can hide an awful personality.
“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:1-2
“In the late 1700’s, the manager of a large hotel in Baltimore refused lodging to a man dressed like a farmer. He turned the man away because he thought this fellow’s shabby appearance would discredit the reputation of his distinguished hotel guests. The man picked up his bag and left without saying another word to anyone.
Later that evening, the innkeeper discovered that he had turned away none other than the Vice President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson! Immediately, the manager sent a note of apology to the famed patriot, asking him to come back and be his guest in the hotel. Jefferson replied by instructing the messenger as follows, “Tell him I have already reserved a room. I value his good intentions highly, but if he has no room for a common American farmer, then he has no room for the Vice President of the United States.”
“Have you ever been so blind that you’ve pushed people aside because you disregarded their humble circumstances? They may seem to have so little to offer you in return, but remember, we are exhorted to show a little kindness to the least of these.” ~ Anonymous
Eileen Light
The headlines about the killings in Chicago featured a rapper, whose opinion of ‘why’ these murders are increasing said, “It’s because everyone is wanting to be better (richer) than the other, so his neighbor kills him to get what he has.
The apostle James had this to say in James 2:1-13.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2. 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; 3 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: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.