Fat Monk


3 Sep 2022

Who we aspire to be

We favour those who we aspire to be. There is something about how our brain is wired that leads us to act this way. Most of the time unintentionally and sometimes intentionally.

Let us be explicit about our aspirations; maybe write them down so we are aware how our aspirations may affect our thought process.

Take as example the aspiration to be financially well off. Do not let this cloud our judgement.

"
My brothers, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.

For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in bright clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my beloved brothers: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man.

Is it not the rich who oppress you and they themselves drag you into court? Do they not blaspheme the good name by which you have been called?

If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.
"

James 2.1-9 LSB