In the previous part of the series on “avoiding prejudice”, my dear friends would remember me focusing on two Scriptural instances of “Prejudice in operation”, which caused “great emotional pain” to the innocents. Today in the second part of the series, we shall train the spotlight on some more Biblical instances…
Isolation
Though not idolaters, Job’s friends weren’t “qualified Prophets” nor were the nine half tribes on the Western side of River Jordan (about whom we have reflected already). But truth be told, even very great, “qualified prophets” seem to fall prey to this “disease of prejudice”, vulnerable as they are, in the moments of their discouragement. “Lord, none cares for you in this defiled land of Idol worship except me” seems to be in essence the complaint of Elijah the mighty prophet in 1 Kings 19:14…Seemingly isolated. It is interesting to note God’s response to His prophet who obviously had no reservations on blowing his own trumpet. Without harshly dismissing his cocky claim, the good Lord goes on to say that there are still 7000 men who loved him intensely (same chapter Verse 18). Only that a mortal Elijah with finite abilities did not see them, while an omnipresent God with an infinite capacity did. For all we know the “bread and meat” to Elijah beside the Kerith Brook may have been carried by ravens from some of the “clean homes” of these “undefiled 7000” (1 Kings 17:1-6).
Coming to economic and social favouritism…yet another draconian head of prejudice!!! While looking at James condemnation of social & economical favoritism (James 2:1-7) it is pertinent to notice his observation on “poor people blessed richly in faith”, necessitating yet another round of honest introspection oposing our opinion about those from lower strata of society. Great spiritual accomplishments are surely not beyond their reach. A Sister in faith once confessed to me of having cast a prejudiced look at a vegetable vendor (also a lady) who joined her prayer group, lately. Only after hearing prayers of this poor lady, which spoke as eloquently about the prayer group needs, as it did about the spiritual maturity of the person who prayed (a prayer it is said is a dead giveaway of the spiritual condition of the pray-er), did my acquaintance humbly cry out to God for forgiveness for her prejudice.
“Lord, tell this lazy sister of mine to help me in the kitchen, instead of wasting her time at thy feet” was Martha’s grouse (to put it succinctly) to our Lord about her devout sister Mary (Luke 10:34-42). Prejudice that great “time-saver” to the fore again! Time-saver because it “facilitates” us in the process of jumping to conclusions on an issue without even wanting to seek God’s perspective on the related issue. Well, our Lord loving rebuke in response may have been an eye-opener to Martha. At the cost of serving Him, was she not missing out on a more paramount call of worshipping Him?
No isolation, please, of any group or individual. So without being judgmental in our disposition, let’s resolve to build each other up (Galatians 5:15/1 Thess 5:11).
Prayer: Father, enable us always devoid of all prejudice to be in “construction gang” rather than being in “wrecking crew”. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh anoharan
J and SM Ministries
(To access the entire “Operation ‘Eliminate Prejudice'” mini-series, please click here.)