Topic: Treating others with Dignity
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:49-104; 1 Corinthians 4
Memory Verse: “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7 KJV
In Luke 16:19-21; a rich man who had everything was having a great time every day while on earth and he saw a beggar named Lazarus who was full of sores laid at his gate looking for what to eat but the rich man did not bother to cater for him. Apparently he was of the view he worked hard for his wealth and owed no man this obligation to cater for the needs of the poor. It is clear, he did not consider that someone gave him life and could take it any time. Similarly, someone gave him his wealth and could take it any time. If he had thought of it, he would probably have behaved differently.
Several years ago, Nigeria had a military president called Abacha. He had hatchet men who were terrorizing citizens of the country with impunity. They killed several, put so many in jail and caused several others to run for their dear lives. He completely did not behave as if he owed his life to someone else! He actually decided to transit from military to civilian president and he made four of the parties to choose him as their presidential candidate. It was certain that except for an act of God, he would be the President of the nation. But then, the unusual happened and he was found dead! It was too late for him to realise that he did not own his life!
What position are you occupying or what resources do you have at your disposal that you are oppressing the people. Are you considering your beauty and looking down on others as ugly or looking at dwarfs because of your height. The word of God says in 1 Corinthians 4:7 (KJV), “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
Everything you have, both natural and acquired, are given to you by God and you are expected to make good use of them because the Almighty God who gives them to you can take them from you and give to someone else.This is what happened to the man who was given one talent and he buried it instead of trading with it. The Bible says in Matthew 25:28 (KJV), “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.”
Use that which God has blessed you with for the benefit of mankind showing love in your dealings with all the people around you.
Prayer point:
Father, please give me the grace to treat all people around me with dignity at all times in Jesus mighty name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero