God Loves Everyday People
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Susan comes with her husband David to receive the meals at CCDC. Debby and I have gotten to know them well over the past year. Susan drives a bus for Indianapolis Public Schools. She and David live on a low income and need the meals that we serve to get by. We’re glad to help them.
They are like many who live on a small income with low-paying jobs in the Near Eastside community. They are hard-working people who do the best they can to make a living. In the eyes of many in society, these ordinary people are insignificant. But in God’s eyes, they are most valuable.
The Apostle Paul spoke the truth about the value of ordinary people in his letter to a church that put its value on the social elite. He told the Corinthians that “God chose the lowly things in this world.” This was not meant as a putdown. What Paul meant was that God looks not at outward appearances or social position or intelligence for showing his grace. The Gospel is for all regardless of all external qualities. We are all sinners in God’s sight and equally in need of his mercy.
One of my favorite songs from the ’60s is “Everyday People,” a 1968 song recorded by Sly and the Family Stone. It was the first single by the band to go to number one on both the Soul singles chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Like today, our country was going through a tough time of protests over racism, and also political opposition to the Vietnam War. “Everyday People” was Sly Stone’s response to our nation’s divisions. Here’s a portion of the lyrics:
Sometimes I’m right and I can be wrong; My own beliefs are in my song
The butcher, the banker, the drummer, and then; Makes no difference what group I’m in
I am everyday people……
I am no better and neither are you; We’re all the same whatever we do…..
There is a long hair That doesn’t like the short hair
For being such a rich one That will not help the poor one….
We got to live together
There is a yellow one that won’t Accept the black one
That won’t accept the red one that won’t accept the white one….
I am everyday people
Here’s the album art from Sly’s 1968 hit record. CLICK HERE TO GIVE IT A LISTEN.
God’s people are “everyday people.” Debby and I may live in a nice neighborhood in Carmel but we are no better than Susan and David who live in a distressed neighborhood in the city. We are everyday people who live by God’s grace.
The Gospel breaks down all racial and economic divisions and exposes any pretensions of superiority. CCDC is a Gospel ministry geared to breaking down all walls. Come join us and help show that we are all ordinary, everyday people who are loved by God.
-May God’s peace be with you,
Pastor Jim and Debby Riley