James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.
No Favorites
There is a problem with favoritism. It tells one person they are better than the other. If you ever have witnessed a family that upholds one child higher than the other, then you know what I am talking about. Not only does the less preferred child become resentful, but the other child feels privileged. In the end, there is nothing but trouble.
Christians are told not to show partiality. Why? Did Jesus die for one race or gender? Did He die for the rich only? No. He died for all humankind-to save all from their sin. Should we not share the gospel with people who are not like us? Of course not! We were told to go forth and make disciples of all nations. Favoritism is a nasty disease that separates. A tool used by Satan.
The prime example
James2:2-4 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool, have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
This is a great example in today’s world. Money is so much the tool Satan uses to separate people in the world. But just because that person dresses in an expensive suit and drives a luxury car does not mean they are good inside. Nor does it make them bad. It just means they have been given more things. And we need to realize that a person is more than their possessions.
Transgression
James 2:9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. The simple fact is that we are all transgressors of the law. If it is not favoritism, then it is pride, greed or any number of sins. This is why we need to understand that we need a Savior. This is why Jesus came to pay the penalty for us. What will you do with the grace shown to you?
Key Takeaways
- Favoritism can lead to resentment and division within families and communities.
- Christians are called to avoid partiality, as Jesus died for all people, not just a select few.
- An example in James 2 illustrates how societal favoritism based on wealth is misguided.
- Showing partiality is a sin and a reflection of deeper issues like pride and greed.
- We must recognize our need for a Savior and respond to the grace offered to us.
Leave a Reply