A stereotype is defined as an over-simplified or standardized conception of a culture, profession or group.  How often do we categorize people?  For example, everyone knows that cops and donuts go together – right?  The Italian people are all members of the Mafia.  Rednecks have only one  tooth and park their used furniture outside next to their pickups.

I happen to be composed of five different nationalities.  I’m Irish, English, German, French and Swedish.  I should therefore be a green beer swilling drunk- with a stiff upper lip – without a sense of humor, stubborn and serious all the time –  a rude, arrogant romantic who loves freedom – and a blond socialist who shops at Ikea.

Well, I certainly hope that doesn’t describe me.  It’s funny how we put people into pigeon-holes before we ever get a chance to know them.  We have a tendency to judge.   Do we tend to think we are better  than others?  Do we look at outward appearances?  Of course we do.  It’s the first thing we see, but once we get to know these folks, they may not be what they appear to be. If were honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we have at one time or another done this.

Christians are also placed into a certain category.  Many think that if you’re a Christian, your life is perfect – that you have no problems and if you do, it’s because you’ve done something to displease your God.   They think you’re a goody two shoes – you’re too conservative – you don’t have any fun.  They think you worry too much about sin, because you’ve been brainwashed to believe so – that you are all show and no action and that you believe in fairy tales.

Many of those attitudes are formed because it’s easy to put people of one race, one nationality, one ethnic group, one religion into one category.  We aren’t all the same.  God tells us not to judge others.  That job is up to him.

Matthew 1-2 says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.   For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

Dear Lord, help me to reflect on these words .  Help me to keep an open mind in all my experiences today.  Keep me from making judgments about people, their intentions, their thoughts, their motives, without really knowing what’s in their hearts.  You alone are our judge.  Don’t ever let me forget that.  Amen!