How much does someone's wealth or status affect the way you treat him? (Serendipity Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, page 934).
There
is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear
has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in
love (1 John 4:18 NIV).
Much
as I dislike it, I have to admit I have a comfort zone that is
intruded upon by unusually high or low status people. On those
occasions my antenna and anxiety level perceptibly rise. For
example, the church I attend has a diverse congregation. In the
church there is a former mayor of our city, as well as professionals
of all type. Likewise, there are a number of street people in need
of a shower. There is no doubt in my mind what is the Christian
thing to do—to treat everyone as entirely equal before God and one
another. And not only to treat them so (which I can reasonably
manage) but to feel so deep within. I have watched with envy and
admiration those in the congregation who embrace (literally) all
comers. At these times, I frankly don't like myself very much and
regret my behavior which takes on the character of abject enslavement
to the base and reflexive. It boils down, I think, to a lack of
trust. I'm afraid the poor will want my money and that the those of
high status will want my obsequiousness (both of which can bring on
conflicted discomfort). This occurs despite my knowledge that
virtually everyone appreciates simple respect and appreciation and
being treated as an equal. This tendency to distrust others (and
myself) is a simple reminder that I have a long way to go on my
Christian journey.
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