September 10, 2021 (Friday)
I suppose we can consider James 1 an introduction to much of
the material in the rest of the book… James 2 begins by addressing economic
differences. I suspect this section cut against cultural norms, and still does.
James tells us, “My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny
the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected in glory.” [James 2:1 CEB] “Favoritism” means we treat some
people better than others. What James uses as an example is the difference in
wealth. I think, it can be applied to race or any other means of drawing
distinction.
Here is James example, “For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed
in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and
dressed in dirty clothes.” [James 2:2
NLT] The fun thing about America is that there really is no way to judge a
person’s economic status in a casual situation. For the most part, I doubt many
wealthy people want to draw attention to themselves. However, there are other
ways to create superior status.
This becomes a problem when, “If you give special attention and a good seat
to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or
else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show
that your judgments are guided by evil motives?” [James 2:3 – 4 NLT] When people are treated
differently based on appearance, then our motives must be examined.
James wants to correct our attitude, “Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters.
Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the
ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?” [James 1:5 NLT] God does not exclude anyone. God does
deal with us differently because there is no single solution, other than Jesus,
to our spiritual walk.
After reminding the church that it was the “rich” causing
them so much trouble, James reminds us of the basic need to love others: “Yes indeed, it is
good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your
neighbor as yourself.” [James 2:8
NLT] I do NOT think the “self” is the standard of love. We are commanded to love
others the way Jesus loves (see John 13:34, John 15:12). However, if we cannot achieve
that standard, then at least live up the base line.
I wonder if James had mind Jesus words, “So whatever you wish that others would do to
you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” [Matthew
7:12 ESV] Imagine NOT being in the favored group and having no means of
achieving special treatment. How does that feel? It seems, when we treat all
with respect that we will all sleep better at night.
James continues, “But if you favor some people over others, you are committing
a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.” [James
2:9 NLT] Did you catch the sin part? I’m guessing most of us would not willing “dare
justice.” I hope, few would deliberately break the law daring the authority to
do something (arrest, shot, etc…)
James then throws us a knuckle ball (much harder to hit than a curve ball). Catch it in the next installment of this blog.
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