Bible Reading: James 2:6, 7
Is there someone whose approval is so important to you that you wouldn’t change brands of toothpaste without first getting his or her opinion? Is that person someone
who really loves you or is that person simply someone whom you are trying to impress?
James wrote his letter to people who seemed to be very concerned with the opinions of wealthy people. Even though these wealthy people had mistreated them, the recipients of James’ letter continued to favor them over poor people. Thus James wrote to this church saying in chapter 2 verses 6 & 7 of his letter, “…you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?” James wanted them to think about whose opinion really mattered.
If the opinion of any person is more important to you than God’s opinion, you’ve set that person in God’s place. That person and his or her opinion could be undermining your relationship with and service to God.
Any time we try to “get on the good side” of someone who has no genuine interest in our well-being, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, we are sabotaging our relationship with God, the One who loves us more and has a greater stake in our well-being than anyone else.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind me often that Your opinion is more important than the opinions of all other people combined. In Jesus’ name. Amen.