Tag Archives: Equality and Equity

Celebrating Gifts Differing

Living in the Spirit
July 5, 2018

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. –2 Corinthians 12:2-5

Paul attests to the reality that we all experience and celebrate God in different ways. Richard J. Foster wrote about the six dimensions of faith in his book, Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith. It makes sense. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul describes some of the varying skills described as spiritual gifts necessary to complete the work of God.

We, humans, tend to want to rank order the value of things including people and their talents. We often pay people according to the esteem we give to their value. I remember when I worked at a hospital many years ago, a lot of construction was going on around the building requiring most staff to walk a few blocks in a “bad” neighborhood in searing summer hit, rain, and winter cold from temporary parking while a few cherished spots were reserved for the doctors and residents right in front of the building. At that time, the doctors and residents were mostly male, and the residents were mostly under 30 years old. Many of them probably jogged before coming to work. The cleaning staff at the hospital were mostly women over the age of 50 also caring for a family at home. As important as physicians are their work could be rendered moot if the facility they worked in was not kept spotlessly clean. To its credit, the hospital very quickly added a transport system to and from the distant parking lot.

The key to equity and equality resides in respect and justice where everyone has enough and is appreciated for the unique offerings he or she makes to the fulfillment of a world ruled by love.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we value people based on the world’s definition of success. Guide us to see people through the content of their character* in whatever capacity they may serve and to support all in becoming the person you created us each to be. Amen.

*Borrowed from Martin Luther King’s speech, I have a Dream.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Equality and Equity

Eastertide
April 2, 2018

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32-35
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Following a disaster, humans have an uncanny ability to become one in response. Each person does whatever is needed to address the crisis being faced. Why is it so difficult to sustain that oneness?

Following the events around what is now called Pentecost, Christ followers became one as he had desired they do. It did not last long. Even people in homogenous groups are diverse having differing gifts. Oneness requires a deep commitment to equality and equity while the forces of society lead people to kick against those goads. A goad is a spiked stick used for driving cattle. Cattle must be moved from one place to another most often to find a new supply of food or water. Before grass and water supplies are used up herders move the animals to a better spot. The cattle do not necessarily want to leave and thus the herders guide the cattle along the right path using goads. In Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Jesus speaks to him about his working hard to define his own path rather than following God’s.

When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.” (Acts 26:14)

Stressed throughout the history of the people of God, equality and equity are qualities that shape the direction of our lives. They are essential components of the oneness Jesus called us to attain. Following the path of God is our choice, and the results are designed for human good. We must be mindful of our attempts to kick against God’s plan even when we think what we are doing is of God.

Prayer: Lord, heal our souls so that we can work in oneness together toward the establishment of a world where all have enough, and each is enabled to contribute their portion in love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.