How can we overcome biases to honor God's work in familiar people? Setting the Scene: Hometown Rejection Matthew 13:57: “And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.’ ” Jesus’ neighbors could quote His family tree, yet they missed His divine mission. That same heart-posture still sneaks into churches, families, and friendships today. Why Familiarity Breeds Contempt • We think we know all there is to know about someone, so we quit looking for God’s fresh work. • Pride whispers, “If God were going to do something big, He’d use someone more impressive.” • Past failures stay glued in our memories, eclipsing current evidence of grace. Mark 6:4 repeats the proverb; John 1:46 shows Nathanael’s skepticism: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Old, ingrained assumptions choke new faith. Identifying Our Own Biases Ask yourself: • Do I dismiss insight when it comes from a sibling, spouse, or lifelong friend? • Do I value polished credentials over spiritual fruit? (Galatians 5:22-23) • Do I rehearse someone’s past mistakes more than God’s mercies, which “are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23)? Steps to Honor God’s Work in Familiar People 1. Remember God’s view. 1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Consciously choose His perspective. 2. Rehearse redemption stories. Paul was once the church’s chief persecutor (Acts 9). Ananias overcame fear, called him “Brother Saul,” and witnessed a miracle. 3. Look for spiritual fruit, not flash. Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). 4. Speak life aloud. Encouragement replaces contempt. Barnabas drew near to Saul when others kept him at arm’s length (Acts 9:27). 5. Refuse favoritism. James 2:1-4 warns that partiality insults the glory of God. Honor should flow toward every believer God chooses to use. 6. Stay teachable. Even the seasoned apostle Peter needed correction from “unknown” Gentile believers (Acts 10). If he could listen, so can we. 7. Guard against comparison. Peter asked about John’s future; Jesus replied, “What is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:22). Focusing on someone else’s calling blinds us to our own obedience. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth; but set an example…” Age or familiarity does not limit God. • Romans 12:10: “Outdo one another in showing honor.” The command is proactive, not reactive. • Philippians 2:3: “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” Humility dismantles bias. Putting It into Practice Today • This week, intentionally affirm a sibling, coworker, or long-time church member you’ve overlooked. • When someone familiar shares insight, pause, silence inner cynicism, and test it by Scripture. • Keep a journal of unexpected ways God uses “ordinary” people around you; review it when skepticism resurfaces. As we surrender prejudice and embrace God’s perspective, we become participants—rather than obstacles—in the mighty works He longs to accomplish through the people right beside us. |
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