Prayer Journal
Monday, November 10, 2003
"No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." Acts 15:11
Racial bigotry has been around as long different races have existed. And I believe that intellectual bigotry is shown everytime one person belittles another with less education or less intellect. But have you ever considered that religious bigotry is just as prevalent as either of those two?
A religious bigot believes he's "arrived" before anyone else. Not only so, but he also considers that few, if anyone else can reach his intellectual plane of existence. Two remarkable things happen on the road to becoming a bigot: such a person resists correction, but displays a proud, arrogant and self-centric nature, whereby their egotism gives him a false feeling of superiority.
Having said that, look at Peter's words to the Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15). It seems some of the Christians attending church still had a tie to the party of the Pharisees. As word spread that Gentiles were being converted to faith in Jesus in great numbers, what do you think was the primary concern of those Pharisee brothers? Answer: following the Law of Moses and being circumcised.
Isn't that the way it is with religious people who try to add Christianity to their list of professions like an entry in their portfolio of spiritual preferences? Peter stated that the law can't save; neither can it make someone righteous. Instead, it is by God's grace that a person is saved and nothing else!
Are you a religious bigot? "Not me," you might say as if offended at the mere suggestion. But when you really stop and think about it, don't a lot of people act more religious than others - at least when they're seen in church?
Some think getting up early to read the Bible and pray makes them more spiritual and more than one pastor feels they're better equipped to know truth and God's will than a layman, or "regular" church member. A Bible teacher may demand the last word in open discussion and a deacon may falsely think his ordination gives him a "right" to lead instead of obliged to humbly serve. Bigotry is like Baskin-Robbins; it comes in many flavors and that number is growing daily.
To all bigots out there (they may have stopped reading when I called them by name): I remind you what the apostle Peter said to the council that day: the ground is level at the foot of the cross.
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
Copyright © 1998-2003
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved
Prayertower
Past Devotions
Pray4me
PrayerRm
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
