Scripture:'My brothers and sisters,[a] do you with your acts of favouritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, ‘Have a seat here, please’, while to the one who is poor you say, ‘Stand there’, or, ‘Sit at my feet’, have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?' (James 2 1-4) Reflection:Have you ever felt the need to put on a different persona or ‘mask’ when in certain social situations? Or have you equated someones inteligence with the way that they talk? Do you have a ‘telephone’ voice?We all, in one way or another, make judgements about a person based on their appearance, the way they walk or talk, and their social standing.Oh to be like little children - who show no such partiallity, they interact with each other and with adults, just as they are. They don’t ‘dress to impress’ they just live out what Christ is asking us to do - to treat every person with the respect and love which they deserve, allowing people to be who they are born to be - made and loved by God.Lyn Hayes, ALM
Scripture:'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.' (Proverbs 1.7) Reflection:The phrase ‘life-long learners’ is a good way to think about ourselves. As a new academic year begins, it is good to focus our hopes and prayers on teachers and schools, trainers, lecturers and colleges. At the same time, we may remember that everyone at avery age and stage of life still needs better understanding and greater wisdom – and to be open to instruction! David Harmsworth
