Service

"My first real exposure to the Court came almost a quarter century ago when I began my clerkship with Justice Thurgood Marshall. Justice Marshall revered the Court — and for a simple reason. In his life, in his great struggle for racial justice, the Supreme Court stood as the part of government that was most open to every American — and that most often fulfilled our Constitution's promise of treating all persons with equal respect, equal care, and equal attention.

The idea is engraved on the very face of the Supreme Court building: Equal Justice Under Law. It means that everyone who comes before the Court — regardless of wealth or power or station — receives the same process and the same protections. What this commands of judges is even-handedness and impartiality. What it promises is nothing less than a fair shake for every American."  Elena Kagan, Senate Confirmation Hearings, June 28, 2010


I heard this statement given by Supreme Court Justice Nominee Elena Kagan on the way home tonight.  It held greater meaning because of the message God asked me to share tonight.  I was unaware of the inscription engraved on the face of the Supreme Court building, but I am aware of James 2:1-9 which came to mind hours before hearing Ms. Kagan.  

James 2:1-9

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby 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?

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?


If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 

These are the principles our nation was founded upon.  These are the principles God used to convict me today.  James, Jesus' brother, understood human nature.  We tend to gravitate towards celebrities, the popular and the wealthy.  We consider it an honor to be chosen to  sacrifice our time and resources to adore and pamper this privileged class.  A celebrity's entourage ensures every need is met even before the need is known.


I serve the homeless and impoverished.  They are invisible to the world.  They have no resources, no power, and no support.  When serving those who have nothing the temptation to do less, to give less, and to care less is always present.  This temptation is revealed in thoughts like, "they can wait, they are lucky to have me, so what if it doesn't get done, it's not like they have anyone else."


Reestablishing identification has become very difficult.  Florida requires a birth certificate and proof of social security to obtain a state ID.  However, to obtain a birth certificate most states require a state ID.  Navigating through the red tape is complicated and cost $40-70 per person.  The chances of obtaining ID for someone born outside Florida is 60%.  These roadblocks provide the perfect excuse to work less hard.  


The question God asked me today as I was working on ordering birth certificates was, "if this were your application would you work harder, would you be more conscientious?  If this were the President's birth certificate application,  how tirelessly would you work to achieve results?"


Tough questions, convicting questions, course adjusting questions.  It is not only Supreme Court Justices called to higher standards.  We are each called to reach beyond our human nature and serve each other equally.  Connections will strive to serve with equality and care as we would care for ourselves or a celebrity.  We will allow God to examine our hearts often, and correct our course when we necessary.  Connections goal is extraordinary service for all.