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 2:2-4

During biblical times, it was common for the rich to wear very ostentatious and outlandish garments. The rich were easily identified. Even in today’s fashion-friendly world, we know money when we see it.  When you see someone dressed in the latest name-brand clothes that are tailor-made for the perfect fit or driving an expensive car, you think, “They must be someone of importance to have that kind of cash!” Then, if you see someone wearing hand-me-downs or disheveled clothing, you may write them off as being someone of less importance.  The saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is simply echoing what James wrote hundreds of years ago. When we discriminate; when we show favoritism and don’t look beyond the surface, we miss so many opportunities that God has intentioned for us. However, you and I can overcome this attitude of judgment. Instead, we can learn to look past the make-up and designer suits to discover the true value of each person who crosses our path.

Dear God, It can be so easy to judge people just by what I see. As I go through my life, help me to look past the surface and instead see the value that you place on each person. Help me to see them as you see them. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.