Luke 7:36-50
Two large Mesquite trees grew behind our condo. They were there when we bought the place and we didn’t pay much attention to them. However over time and being well watered, they grew to such breadth and height we could no longer see the golf course or a large section of the Tortolita Mountain Range near Tucson, Arizona. A few of our neighbors thought the trees were beautiful and reasoned that in a desert setting, why would you want to get rid of those trees?
Recently those two trees were cut down and the result is wonderful. The views of the mountains, the desert, and the golf course fill our sights way beyond our expectations. We wonder why we didn’t remove them earlier.
Sometimes we discover that issues or bad things in our lives that begin small suddenly become so large they obstruct our view of the larger picture. Think of a prejudice you have against an individual or group of people. When the problem begins in your mind, it may be you overlook it—ignore its presence because, well, it just isn’t that big of a deal. Yet prejudices when “well-watered” can grow to consume much of what you do, say, or think. Those who carry the same opinions as you do may see your prejudice as “good” or at least warranted and affirm that your prejudice is okay. With them you bind together in ignorance.
Cutting out the prejudice from your life gives you a new way of seeing not only those who were the target of your prejudice but also the view of life that flows together unencumbered by a negative or obscured attitude. One of the best ways to do this is to get to know the other person, understand what makes him or her that way, and pray constantly that God will help you see others as God sees them!
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates how a Christian should treat those who regularly would be set aside or shunned because of their nationality or sex or economic status. Jesus treats them with love, respect, and understanding. Can we do the same?
Prayer: God, rid me of my blinders and prejudices. Turn me into a better servant to others. Amen
Song: “The Servant Song” by Richard Gillard & Betty C. Pulkingham