Tale of two Friends
Lynn can’t wait to go out tonight to show off her latest outfit: new skirt that accentuates her legs, new shirt that coordinates just right, and of course, new shoes to complete the outfit. She got her hair done and nails, even her toe nail polish coordinates with her outfit.
Mary examines her selection in her closet, hoping to see something new, but reality sets in and she focuses on the one party outfit hanging prominently in the closet. She then looks at the clock because has to make sure she has time to do her nails herself. Glancing at the dresser, she realizes that she only has one nail polish option. “It should do fine,” she thinks to herself, knowing it doesn’t exactly coordinate with her outfit, but it is all she has. She looks good, but not outstanding the way Lynn does with her $200 outfit and $100 shoes! People flock to Lynn and compliment her on how great she looks and just kindly greet Mary mainly because of the way they are dressed.
We tend to think highly of people who appear to have money while dismissing people who look like they don’t. But the Bible says in James 2:3-4: “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?” We have to be careful that we don’t treat people differently solely based on how they are dressed.