OUR DAILY BREAD                       Monday, January 16, 1995
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READ:  James 2:1-9

                       WELCOME?

   "Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ,
          the Lord of glory, with partiality."

                    -- James 2:1

Many years ago, when my father, Dr. M. R. De Haan, was
president of Radio Bible Class, a well-known minister
came to our office.  Initially I was awed by the
presence of this distinguished visitor.

My impression soon began to change, however, as I
listened to him talk about himself.  He seemed to
exemplify what the apostle Paul said a Christian
should NOT do, that is, "to think of himself more
highly than he ought to think" (Rom. 12:3).

When my father asked the noted pulpiteer about
another preacher in the same town, he ridiculed the
man's ministry to those who lived "on the other side
of the tracks."  I've never forgotten that incident.

What about our attitudes?  Is there favoritism in
our churches?  Are we as interested in the "down and
outer" as much as the "up and outer"?  Do we greet
those on the bottom rung of the social ladder with
the same enthusiasm we show to those who have riches
and enjoy worldly prestige?

Christians should never neglect a needy soul.  The
Lord is not pleased when we show undue favoritism to
some and snub others.

Is the word "welcome" printed on your church bulletin?
Does it apply to everyone?

    -- Richard W. De Haan

 No one is excluded from the circle of God's grace,
      We cannot get beyond His love and care;
 Why then do we close our minds and turn away our face
      From all who in the gospel have a share?

    -- Hess

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          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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     A heart that is open to Christ
     will be open to those He loves.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Exodus 1-4

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