NOVEMBER 18, James 2:1-3

“This is fun,” said Kelly as she helped her teacher decorate for a Sunday school celebration. After Mrs. Tan filled balloons with helium, Kelly tied a string on each one. “Do you suppose those new kids will come to the party?” Kelly wondered out loud. “You know - the kids who came last Sunday? They’re kind of different.” “All people are different,” Mrs. Tan pointed out.

“I guess so,” admitted Kelly, “but…” She frowned as she pictured the new children. She wondered if Mrs. Tan wouldn’t agree that they wore funny old clothes, but she didn’t dare ask.

Mrs. Tan looked thoughtful as she handed another balloon to Kelly. “We’ll do two more balloons,” she said. “Let’s each choose a colour, and when they’re filled, we’ll see which one will rise fastest.”

“I’ll have a blue one,” said Kelly. “My favourite colour is blue.” “And I’ll take this purple one,” said Mrs. Tan. “I think a purple balloon will go up to the ceiling faster than a blue one.”

“Not if you fill them up the same,” objected Kelly. She waited eagerly until both balloons were ready, and then watched the two balloons rise side by side. “See - it’s the helium in the balloon that makes them rise,” said Kelly with a grin, “not the colour of the balloon.”

“So it’s what’s inside that counts?” asked Mrs. Tan. When Kelly nodded, Mrs. Tan added, “You’re right, of course, and that same principle should apply to people, shouldn’t it?” “Well… sure,” said Kelly, glancing at Mrs. Tan. “I know that a person’s colour or background isn’t the important thing.” “Good,” replied Mrs. Tan, “but outside appearance versus what’s inside can apply to more than colour.”

“You… you’re thinking about the kind of clothes kids wear, aren’t you?” asked Kelly slowly. 

“Exactly,” said Mrs. Tan. “We should welcome all kids to our class, no matter what colour they are or what hair style they have or how they dress. What’s inside is what matters. It’s what’s important to God, and it should be important to us, too.”

Thought: What’s important to you? Expensive new clothes? Good looks?

Prayer: Father in heaven, please help me to be kind to everyone, regardless of their appearance, race or family background. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.