People Can Be A Lot

This past Friday we had Bible study and as we were studying James chapter 2, it got to a point where it said that we out to show no partiality to anyone — regardless of who they are, what they have, etc.— everyone we encounter should be met with the same love, respect, and honor. 

On the onset of this statement, I believe that James makes a great point. We should honor everyone we meet. Something that really bothers me is seeing people being treated differently simply because they either have less, look different, or act different. Again, I agree that James makes a good point. 

But towards the end of Bible study, I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to hold space for confession before we started to pray. 

If you are newer to the faith or not associated at all, 1) we are so glad you’re here! And 2) confession is simply a space to confess a sin or sins you have committed in hopes that bringing them to the light, you will not be alone in overcoming them. This is simply fulfilling the Scripture James 5:16 which says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Meaning, there’s power and healing in the confession of sins and in prayer within the context of community. 

So, as we are having this time of confession, I’m made aware that I need to confess that my heart towards people isn’t always the best. More specifically, when I feel that people are being rude, annoying, or simply rubbing me the wrong way, though I may outwardly respond well, my heart posture isn’t always in the right place. Dealing with people can be hard.

I’m very confident that I am not the only one who feels this way, and I also am very confident that God has something to encourage us with as we approach this week. 

This Monday, reflecting on 1 Timothy 2:1-4, I want to turn your attention to Pauls words as he says, 

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

I want to first break down these few words he says: 

Supplication = the act of asking a deity, higher power, or authority figure for something in a humble, earnest, and deeply respectful way. 

Prayers = the act, practice, or form of communication where a person addresses God. 

Intercessions = the act of pleading, praying, or intervening on behalf of another person, group, or nation. 

Thanksgivings = the act of asking for something in a humble, earnest, and deeply respectful way. 

When I say people are a lot to deal with, I am not simply just speaking about the people in our community, but even more so, I think people in high places can be especially challenging. Whether it be your boss and their management style, your mayor/governor and the laws that are passed that directly affect you or those you care about, or even the president and what you think about their decisions. 

Now, you may be like woah, how did we get here and why are we talking politics now. But, keep listening, there’s a point here. 

Paul is drawing the church in Ephesus’s attention to how they ought to treat the very people responsible for many of their persecutions, imprisonments, and beatings. But in addition, it also speaks to how they ought to honor the leaders within their churches. 

The context here (and every time you read the Bible!) is important because it helps us to understand the hefty task Timothy is left with as he instructs this church who clearly was not honoring leadership in or outside of the church. Paul uses four different words to describe how to the church ought to pray for those in charge: consistently, intentionally, powerfully, and happily. 

Now, how does this apply to your Monday? Well, maybe you’re like me. You find that people are a lot to deal with and expanding your definition of “people” to include leaders in and outside of the church, I bet it gets even more challenging to imagine how to deal with this broad group. 

I was reminded of this quote in our Bible study group: “You cannot dislike someone you’re intentionally praying for.” 

I leave you with the same challenge I left our community with, which is to ask yourself: when I think about someone who is a lot to deal with, who is it? It could be a person, group of people, or even a leader like your boss. Once you have them in mind, write it down on a piece of paper and pray for them at least once each day this week. 

Recognizing peoples flaws is easy, taking what you see and submitting it to God in prayer is where the real challenge comes. May this Monday have you saying “Thank God it’s Monday” — a day where I don’t have to sit in irritation or annoyance, but I can trade those things for the peace that comes from praying to my Father. 

We’ll catch you next Monday family, 

The Unapologetically Prepared Team