Playing favourites
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
James 2:1 (NIV)
We can’t seem to help it. We instantly form judgements about people as soon as we meet them and, if not careful, it affects how we treat them.
James, Jesus’s brother, and leader in the Jerusalem church, warns against such behaviour: “Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old 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?’ (James 2:2-4).
James doesn’t hold back. He tells us if we do this, even unintentionally, we become ‘judges with evil thoughts’. Ouch! Does that hit home or what?
Today many show a preference for the powerful and wealthy, and value such people above those who are struggling to make a living. But God condemns this discriminatory behaviour, viewing all people as his children, rich and poor alike. In fact, God appears to have specifically chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world for a special role. They are to be ‘…rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him…’ (v.5). Could it be that the poor have an advantage over the rich, in so much as it is easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation because they are aware of their powerlessness? Wealth can be a prideful barrier which is difficult to overcome.
Christians are not immune to this type of discriminatory behaviour, sometimes erroneously believing that riches are a sign of God’s blessing and approval. But God does not promise us earthly rewards or riches; in fact, Christ calls us to be ready to suffer for him, and to give up everything in order to hold on to eternal life: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Our treasure must be found in Jesus and as his followers we cannot take part in the world’s game of playing favourites.
Prayer
Our loving Father, we are so quick to judge others, assigning worth based on position and wealth; we look down on some while exalting others. This is sinful behaviour, and we ask that you forgive us and help us to treat everyone with the same love and respect that you do. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Study by Jackie Mill
About the writer:Jackie Mill is a minister in Grace Communion International and Co-Regional Pastor for Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Central Glasgow
Garnethill Room
Conference Suite
St Andrews West
260 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4JP
Meeting time:
Sunday 11:15 am
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church