Peter says in Acts “God is no respecter of persons”, meaning God does not show partiality. The world marks all kinds of status divisions, wealth, influence, age, race, gender. The Church as the body of Christ should be without partiality, but often we can be as infatuated with status as any other community. Our discipleship calls us to rise above and see the image of God in all.

Have you ever been honored for your contributions of time or treasure? How did it feel? Were you more or less inclined to give again?

Have you ever refrained from supporting a ministry or program because you didn’t like an aspect of it? What would Mary McLeod Bethune have said to that?

Small steps:

• Make a list of places you give time or money. Ask yourself how you chose those.
• List places you used to give time or money along with the reason you stopped. Were any of those about a need for control?

Long Strides:

• Pray about one place you could give time or treasure that has no benefit for you.
• Make all of your giving for 1 year anonymous. Reflect on how that changes your attitude.