Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings on another beautiful Western Oregon Spring morning..
It’s cold…with some frost on the grass. But I’ll take that any day for what comes with it—beautiful clear-sky sunshine. Becki and I just completed our little walk/jog excursion. In a few minutes I’ll troop the 60 yards back to the house, ingest some breakfast, and get on with my work load. This time I won’t tell you what it is…because I don’t remember. But it’s on my list. I’m just not looking at it right now. Out of sight, out of mind. That way I can enjoy peace even when I’m under pressure. Just kidding. But I’ll probably look at it again before I get started.
Blessings on your day. Love, Dad/Ray
Let’s imagine a guy who lives just down the street from you whom you know decided to join up with the PVS—the Pure Vegetarian Society. You’ve talked with him enough times to know that he has signed the creed, attends all the meetings, knows all the arguments, has memorized all the chants, and has been elected as one of the officers. But then one day you happen into a little place on the other side of town—Sandy’s Steakhouse—and there he is, chowing down on a 72 ounce steak. Well, it doesn’t take a lot more scrutiny to know that you’ve just caught yourself another phony.
James is laying it on us pretty clear that when we join ranks with this special body of believers in “our glorious Lord Jesus Christ,” it carries with it certain requirements and standards that impact every facet of our lives. In practical application of the “royal law…that gives freedom” (i.e., “Love your neighbor as yourself”), James declares that there is absolutely no room for favoritism—attitudes of superiority that fuel other biased attitudes like prejudice and bigotry. After all, it was the Lord Himself who said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). That means anyone and everyone. Making judgments that reveal favoritism is a violation of the creed of the Kingdom and can play out to disqualify one from true membership.
This may be a short commentary to a short passage—but the practical principle presented is long on meaning and importance.