185 James: Playing Favorites

In the book that bears his name, James challenges us to be hearers and doers of God’s Word. If we fail to do so, we will eventually end up “being polluted by the world.” And one way that will be manifested is that we will speak and relate to others with prejudice and partiality.

In Chapter 2, James takes on this problem within the church.

The Principle Stated

In verse 1, he takes it head on: “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” (NLT)

James states in no uncertain terms that... faith in Christ and favoritism are incompatible.

Favoritism comes from two Greek words which, when put together, mean “to receive by face.”  It’s the idea of judging a person by face value, first impressions, or outward appearances: the clothes they wear, the car they drive, the color of their skin.

Can you see how deadly such thinking can be to a community?

The Principle Illustrated

James then gives an illustration of the way a wealthy person might be welcomed to a church versus the way a poor person might be treated. He then challenges his readers, if you show such favoritism, “Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (v. 4)

James now explains why such thinking and behavior are inconsistent for a Christ-follower.

The Principle Explained

He begins by reminding his readers that throughout redemptive history, God has always shown special concern to the deprived and downtrodden. Jesus Himself declared that He had come to preach the good news to the poor.

The gospel of the Kingdom ever and always had a special message for and appeal to the poor.  Why?  Because it clearly stated that those who mattered to no one else mattered intensely to God.

James says that prejudice and favoritism are no different than murder and adultery. All of them break God’s law. In fact, prejudice and favoritism actually break the highest level of God’s law:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Principle Applied

James makes it clear that these issues of favoritism and prejudice are really serious – not only because they will affect the community of faith in the present, but because they will be issues at the time of judgment.  

God is watching whether we are people of mercy or people of judgment, and He will reward accordingly.

Text: James 2:1-13 

Originally recorded on March 14, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN