3:243 – I’m Biased

#faithbites #faithjourney biased

Setting

Yesterday I wrote about the passing of Chadwick Boseman and how we often equate value or greatness by the amount of coverage we get when we die or do something “great”. A friend commented and asked if I posted something similar when Carrie Fischer died. (I did some digging and found I posted an article about the importance of General Organa. Not the same though I did posted a few things during when she passed.)

I’m not sure of her intent in asking the question but it has me spinning all day. Did she ask because Chadwick was African American and some people will say all people deserve the same recognize because of race? Was it because he deserved it because of the importance he brought to representation? I don’t know but it got me thinking, and I am sooo thankful for that. When I was researching if I posted something similar, I said did when Kobe Bryant passed away. I mentioned the other people on the helicopter.

Yes, I realize this is another African American celebrity. Does this make me racist?

I know I’m biased. One thing is I try to get better everyday. I can’t erase my biases though I can understand them and get better. If I’ve come across as racist or insensitive, I am sorry.

Can you admit when you are wrong? What about not feeling wrong but being willing to learn and grow in your thinking and explanation to others?

Scripture

• Proverbs 28:13 – Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
• Leviticus 5:5 – When he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed,
• James 2:1-9 – My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

Reflection

In our James text, we see the evils of making assumptions based on dress or who is rich and who is poor. These biases lead us to choices in who we value over others. Later in James 2, it goes on to talk about different sins and choosing one over another.

We are all sinners. Let’s look at each other first as a child of God and second as a brother or sister. At the same time, we need to be aware of our biases so we can make better choices.

Our Proverbs and Leviticus texts show us the importance of saying “I’m sorry”. We all mess up and make bad choices. It’s up to us to speak the truth when we are wrong, grow from it, and seek redemption.

I don’t know why my friend made that comment, but I’m blessed that she did. It helped me look at what I was writing and why

Challenge

Are you biased? The answer shouldn’t be yes or no, but yes and here is how. What things are clouding your judgement? Can you list them and use them to make better choices in the future?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for friends who can open our eyes. Thank you for the ability to search our souls and understand why we think the way we do. You forgive us more than we deserve and we are thankful for that. Help us understand why we work the way we work. Let us grow and become better I’m admitting when we are wrong. We love you, Lord. In your name we pray, amen.