“Pyramid Climbers” “Bound By Sin” “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” James 2:1 bound in affliction and iron; … ” Psalm 107:10 To be like Jesus means we must treat others the way Jesus It is exactly true that sin shackles people and sin binds treated them. He didn’t elevate personalities. He didn’t play people. Perhaps you are someone who is literally chained, politics, and He didn’t show favoritism to those who were rich shackled and bound with the handcuffs of sin. It is as Jesus or prestigious in society. He loved every man and made said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you Himself of no reputation and rebuked those who tried to show free. ” Christ then said, “If the Son therefore shall make you respect of persons. free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Paul wrote, “Stand According to James, this has always been an issue in the fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us church. Certain members try to climb their way to the so- free, … ” (Gal. 5:1). called “top of the pyramid in the church.” They politic, So, a sinner is bound and a Christian is loosed. A sinner is building favor and approval, hoping to gain a place of position bound and a Christian is free. The Bible pictures a sinner as or recognition. They form bonds that are unhealthy. These being in captivity to evil and the chains and cords and bondage can quickly turn into drama, parading around the church, of sin. As Samson was bound by fetters of brass, so is the making other members feel less desirable or unpopular. sinner bound by cords of sin. Those who are engaged are only being used to help the “ring In Psalm 107, the remedy for bringing a sinner home is leader or leaders” gain what they want. In the end, those same found four times: “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his members are left disappointed and deserted. goodness, and for his wondrous works to the children of men!” How to keep this from happening? First, always prefer I got to thinking about the wondrous works of God and said to your brother before yourself. Second, never build a bond so my wife, “I think I am going to develop a sermon and preach tight with anyone that goes beyond your loyalty to our Saviour on the wonderful works of God.” That is what the Psalmist and the leadership of the church. Third, don’t be swept away referred to in the 145′ Psalm, verse 5, when he said, “I will by personality. Fourth, determine never to be a follower of speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy those who try to form a following. Fifth, remember Christ is wondrous works.” His wondrous work in a sinner’s life can the only One worthy to be at the top of the pyramid. – R.G.