2 My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. 2 For example, a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in. 3 If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” 4 haven’t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Yesterday as we opened Chapter 2, James is discussing favoritism. Today, we are looking at a practical example that is still very true today, favoritism based on appearance and social status.
In the synagogue, most of the worshippers would have been seated on the floor. There may have been a few benches around the front which would have been considered a place of prominence. By seating the person dressed in fine clothes on the bench and having the person with dirty clothes sit on the floor, this is showing partiality to one at the expense of another, which is the definition of favoritism!
James then poses a question and has us reflect on our behavior. If we discriminate amongst ourselves, how does that translate to becoming judges with evil thoughts? The Greek words for “judges” and “partial” are similar in sound and meaning, so a similar translation may be given to both. Our desire is to be impartial as God is, because He made everyone equal. If our actions reflect otherwise, we are not living an obedient Christian life.
Consider today, in what ways do you discriminate? As I reflect on this question, sometimes it happens so subtly and in situations that I didn’t expect. Like my response maybe to a cashier or someone I pass on the street or a colleague. Reflect on your encounters today and try to adjust if needed in the midst. I know I can do better and my desire to treat everyone with respect. I suspect it yours also.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 2:1–4). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
