file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940306.txt
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         OUR DAILY BREAD                             Sunday, March 6, 1994
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          Read:  James 2:1-13

                                 A PREJUDICED USHER

                       If you show partiality, you commit sin.
                                     --James 2:9

          In  his  autobiography,  Mahatma Gandhi  wrote  that  during  his
          student  days  he  read  the  Gospels  seriously  and  considered
          converting to Christianity.  He believed that in the teachings of
          Jesus  he  could find the solution to the caste system  that  was
          dividing the people of India.

          So  one Sunday he decided to attend services at a  nearby  church
          and  talk  to the minister about becoming a  Christian.  When  he
          entered  the sanctuary, however, the usher refused to give him  a
          seat  and  suggested  that he go worship  with  his  own  people.
          Gandhi  left the church and never returned.  "If Christians  have
          caste  differences  also,"  he said, "I might as  well  remain  a
          Hindu."  That usher's prejudice not only betrayed Jesus but  also
          turned a person away from trusting Him as Savior.

          The "prejudiced user" described in today's Bible passage welcomed
          a  wealthy visitor but insulted a poor one.  Perhaps he  felt  he
          was doing his job and only carrying out the wishes of the members
          in  the church.  But he displayed bad manners, and he was  guilty
          of a sin as serious as murder and adultery (James 2:9-11).

          When  people  visit  your  church, do  you  warmly  welcome  them
          regardless of their race of social status?

          Author:  Haddon W. Robinson

                        God's love that drew salvation's plan
                            Embraces every class of man;
                         It breaks the toughest racial wall
                          Because it offers Christ to all.
                                        --DJD

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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          Prejudice  distorts  what it sees, deceives when  it  talks,  and
          destroys when it acts.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:   Deuteronomy 20-22



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