When we think of "prejudice," normally we think of bigotry toward others who are of a different ethnicity. It is found everywhere. It is ugly and destructive. However, it isn't the only example of prejudice, or "prejudging" that exists. There is a more subtle one that can do just as much damage. The kind I'm talking about is when we already have our minds made up, and we refuse to give someone else a fair and complete hearing. Have you ever felt this prejudice? A better question...have you ever done this to someone else? Notice these Biblical examples...
Acts 17:32
As Paul is preaching on Mars Hill in ancient Athens, he is proclaiming the true God to people who think they are "intellectually enlightened." Paul sees their wholesale idolatry (vv. 16, 22), and he knows they need to be pointed in the right direction. His sermon, (vv. 22-31), praises the true God, His power, and His Son who will judge all men. He concludes by offering the proof of what he has said - Jesus' resurrection. Notice the reaction in v. 32. As soon as they heard that, their minds were made up. It wouldn't do Paul any good to speak anymore.
Acts 22:22
The same apostle Paul later defends himself to a Jewish mob in Jerusalem. He is being called into question for his efforts "against the Law" (21:28). Now, he makes his case before his Jewish kinsmen. He preaches the gospel (22:1-22) as his defense. The last word he utters is "Gentiles." When the Jews heard this word, that was enough. Minds were made up, case was closed. Hatred would not let them hear him fairly anymore. He was to be put to death.
The haughtiness of intellectualism and the brutalness of hatred were not just obstacles Paul had to face. We could see the same in others today to whom we try to talk. Even more tragic is when we display such ungodly attitudes to others. They will rip apart marriages. They will destroy harmony in local churches. They will prevent any good from being done in gaining the lost.
When Jesus listened to people, He did so with openness and fairness; i.e., no prejudice. He calls upon us to do the same to those we love and to those we seek to win for the kingdom of heaven.
