Status and Standing in Christ

The world measures people by wealth, power, beauty, rank or position, yet God looks at the heart. What Scripture says about status, and the believer's true standing in Christ.

The World's Value System

The world puts great emphasis on wealth, power and beauty but overlooks the inner character qualities and a person's 'standing' in Christ – with whom Christians are co-heirs (Rom 8:17; Eph 3:6; Col 1:12).

God looks at the heart, rather than the outward appearance (as we are prone to), often choosing the lowly and despised, desiring to work through them so the glory goes to Him (1 Sam 16:7; 1 Cor 1:26-2:5). In God's economy, significance is never earned by appearance, pedigree or popularity – it is granted by grace.

Am I buying into the world's value system or remaining true to God's appraisal?

The Bible says it is wrong to shun those who appear to be failures while showing favouritism to those who appear to be successful (Jas 2:1-9).

God Is Not Swayed by Status

The Pharisees tried to impress others with their seeming importance, yet Jesus said this was futile, as God – whose judgement and rewards are fair – is not swayed by personal status and standing in society (Mt 6:1-5,16, 23:5-7; Gal 2:6, 6:5-8).

Is my self-belief based on God's opinion or men's?

Jesus gave up His status and position in heaven to come to earth to redeem us, reinforcing the principle that the greatest in the Kingdom of God are the servants of all (Mt 20:28, 23:11). Earthly rank is fleeting; heaven's appraisal endures.

Paul could have boasted about his record of achievements, yet he considered it rubbish compared to what he had in Christ (Phil 3:4-11).

While God is not swayed by status, those entrusted with a rank or position of influence carry a weightier responsibility. This is especially true of teachers of the Bible, who will be judged more severely because their words shape the faith of others (1 Tim 4:16; Jas 3:1). Role models influence people far beyond what they realise – the example they set in speech, conduct and character either draws others toward Christ or turns them away (Mt 5:19; 1 Tim 4:12). Spiritual leadership is therefore not a platform for prominence, but a stewardship to be exercised with humility and care.

Equal at the Foot of the Cross

Everyone is a sinner in need of a Saviour. Believers are just 'sinners saved by grace' and we are to love and share the gospel with all people, regardless of their nationality, gender, age, or economic status (Gal 3:28).

While there are different callings on various individual Christians, all need the cleansing blood and the empowering of the Holy Spirit to attain what He desires. At the foot of the cross the ground is level: no earthly rank lifts anyone above the need for mercy, and no lack of status places anyone beyond its reach.

Do I treat every person as someone for whom Christ died?

Whatever that calling, we are to serve faithfully in the calling God has placed us – not striving for another's position, but working wholeheartedly where He has set us, as for the Lord rather than for men (1 Cor 7:17,20; Col 3:23-24).

Reflection and Application:

Value people as God does – by the heart, not outward appearance.
Serve rather than seek status; greatness in the Kingdom is servanthood.
Root your self-belief in God's opinion of you in Christ, not human approval.
Show no favouritism; share the gospel with everyone, everywhere.