Placing Value on the Saints

Discipleship Devotional, May 17th, 2025

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
— Romans 12:16 (NIV)

As believers, our value system is entirely distinct from the world’s system; therefore, we must not adopt the world’s way of thinking. In our anchor text, Paul instructs us not to be ashamed of associating with those in low positions. This is because we are not meant to value people in the same way the world does. In the world, people are often valued based on their material possessions. However, this is not the way of Christ. We should not even entertain such thoughts, let alone act upon them. The Apostle James, speaking on this, said:

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
— James 2:1-4 (NIV)

This example given by James is exceptionally clear and should guide our conduct in life. Unfortunately, many believers are living in disobedience to this advice. The materialistic mindset has infiltrated the church to such an extent that we even measure the success of ministry by the wealth of the minister. This stands in direct opposition to the teachings of the Lord.

The doctrine of Christ emphasizes equality in Him. It doesn’t matter what your race, gender, tribe, ethnicity, or social status is. The Bible teaches us that “we are all one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28). It is God’s will that we place value on believers not based on their bank account, but based on the price paid for them on the cross.

Prayer

Dear Holy Spirit, I humbly ask that You work on my mindset each day so that I may think in alignment with Christ rather than conforming to worldly mindsets.