Equality

"Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him." Rom. 10: 11-12

I learned early on in life that there is a pecking order in our world - a social hierarchy if you will. I remember vividly the inequality in the society of the elementary school playground - boys outranked girls (at least in the eyes of the boys). I remember vividly the inequality in the society of the burgeoning puberty of junior high - looking good brought you to the top of the ladder. I remember vividly the inequality of high school popular society - a cutthroat pecking order based on anything from looks, and athletic performance, to the ability to party without conscience.

Adulthood has it's social hierarchy too, doesn't it? Money, vocation, family, looks, gender, race, political preference...all of these things and more tend to peg us into some sort of social strata. Life can certainly be difficult and a burden when lived out on one of the bottom rungs of the ladder, constantly being stepped on by others advancing at your expense. Quite frankly sometimes life isn't fair, and we treat others differently based on their place in the pecking order - whether we realize it or not.

The Kingdom of God is completely different from the cutthroat hierarchy of the world. It stands out in stark opposition. For in the Kingdom of God, there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, beautiful and plain, male and female, intelligent or slow, a CEO or a fry cook. The Kingdom of God is a safe place where anyone and everyone can enter in, and never be put to shame. There is equality in Christ.

This Kingdom is an Oasis of safety and healing from the dog eat dog nature of our society. The good news is that anyone can enter this Kingdom and receive the blessing of God.

May you know the blessing of unity in Jesus.

Be God's, Scott