Our Family Time with God

Nov. 11, 2009/Veteran's Day

CRACK THE

CLIQUE

Scripture Reading--James 2:1-10

You can spell it two ways. Whether you spell it "c-l-i-c-k" or "c-l-i-q-u-e," we're talking about something that can have a damaging impact on friendships. No, I'm not talking about an irritating noise but a group of people who isolate themselves from others and don't let others in. These groups don't officially incorporate, and they don't advertise themselves as a clique. Yet they are real--something you'll discover if you try to crack the clique.

When choosing those with whom we'll associate, we can easily select those we like or those who are most like us. That was the problem with the believers to whom James was writing. The first verse of our Scripture reading tells us these people displayed "respect" of persons; in other words, they showed partiality and favoritism. They allowed qualities like personal appearance and economic status to determine their friends. In so doing, they became "judges of evil thoughts" ( v. 4 ). They "commit[ted] sin" ( v. 9 ) and were "transgressors" of the law ( v. 9 ). In God's eyes, the problem was serious.

The Christian life has no room for discrimination. Race, ethnic background, physical condition, financial status, and educational experience should never be the basis for relationships. We do nothing wrong by enjoying people with whom we have things in common, but the problem occurs when we reject or ignore those with whom we have nothing in common.

The time has come to begin a campaign in our churches, schools, and youth groups to eliminate cliques or "clicks," depending on your choice of spelling. This campaign will occur only when we are willing to let the "royal law" rule our lives. Jesus' command to love others is second only to the command to love God with all our hearts ( Matt. 22:37-40 ).

EXERCISE: Ask each family member to prepare a copy of the "royal law" to display in his room.

--Tom Palmer--