Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Equality

The statement that all people are created equal may be true, but our creation is about where equality stops on this earth. Jesus taught us the proper attitude about how we approach the subject, but it demands something we may be unwilling to do.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

I know of two places where everyone is equal. One is in a hospital gown, and the other is at the foot of the cross. Both have a way of exposing us. Wearing the gown I need a doctor, but before the cross I need the Great Physician of the soul.
It is never the Christian’s goal to demand equality for self, yet we are always in pursuit of it for others. The Bible is filled with stories of sacrifice for the salvation and good of others. We all know those wonderful people who put themselves on the back burner in order to help another person to have a better life.

If you learn discipleship from Jesus you must be prepared for a life where you surrender your equality and entitlements. We still say, “I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt…” The question is do we just say it or do we mean it?

To be a follower of Christ, you trust God to do with you what He knows best. You believe that He will meet your needs in order that His will can be done; and that our service will bring someone a little closer to God. Equality will come when we all bow together before our Savior and cast our crowns at His feet with the joyful proclamation that He is worthy to receive all honor, glory and praise.

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray