I THOUGHT I WAS IMPARTIAL

And I thought I was impartial. When today's message was from James, about treating the rich man with deference while telling the poor man to go sit under his footstool; why, I told myself smugly I never do anything like that!

But the pastor said that's what he told himself. Then he said that's what many pastors unconsciously do when they welcome visiting speakers up on seats on the platform, making sure they have a bulletin and a glass of water, asking if they had a good night's rest the day before, etc. But if a church member happens to bring a friend and wants to make introductions, the pastor usually gives little more thought than a practiced welcome, deciding someone can show visitors to their seats. "I hadn't meant to be partial," he said, "but was very partial, wasn't I"?

I had this uncomfortable itch. "Junie, even in the very things you think you're doing for God, is it possible you're doing it with partiality?"

I could picture myself trying to write all sorts of truths glorifying God, and the Holy Spirit was leaning back with His arms crossed, nodding approvingly, a gentle and knowing smile crossing His lips. Yet then, His Head cocked ever so slightly and seemed to beckon me follow His gaze to the far end of the room. There, my husband Kinya prepared a meal for me, and my son Keima sat at his computer station, perhaps both needing my attention. 

I'd preferred to treat my writing with deference, while I put them under my footstool?

Oh God, I'm so sorry. Thank you for showing me. Now please show me what to do.