Different

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 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? (James 2:1–4, NIV 1984).

My Musings – Studies have shown that we have a “natural” tendency to give preference to those of prominence and neglect the rest. It doesn’t take a study to show us that we do the very same thing to those who are different than us, whether it be race, social status, financial standing, age group, or any other demographic that distinguishes us from others. As James said in another context, “my brothers, this should not be.“

My Advice – With so much in this world to separate us, we should look for every opportunity to come together. We are actually more alike than we might think.