My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "Have a seat here, please," while you say to the poor man, "Stand there," or, "Sit at my feet," have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4).
I was just thinking about the qualities of the truly successful people I have known. One of the characteristics they all have in common is that they treat every person they meet with dignity and respect. It is a trait I admire because I do not do as well as I should in this regard. There are times when it is extremely difficult to be respectful to some people and treat them with dignity, but this is a behavior our Father expects of those who are His children.*
To be successful in business, in professional practice, certainly, in pastoral ministry, or social relationships, dignity and respect must be an obvious characteristic. However, I have seen people in each one of these social relationships who think they are impartial who are not. But I have observed pastors, lawyers, high-end carpenters, doctors who were willing to serve others, no matter who they are. It might well be that the first step on the ladder of real success is that of impartial service.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*A book could be written on this subject because there are many people who are extremely difficult to treat with dignity. How does one treat a rapist, kidnapper, abuser, murderer with dignity and respect? By prosecuting them to the full extent of the law.
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