Topic: Favoritism
Take a moment and read James 2:1-12.
The sin of favoritism is a sin that is often overlooked, as it can be subtly woven into the fabric of our everyday interactions and decisions. Favoritism, in essence, is the act of giving special treatment to one person over another based on outward qualities such as wealth, appearance or social status. This act of discrimination is in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ, who emphasized the equal worth of all individuals, regardless of their worldly status.
The book of James offers a clear illustration of this sin. James describes a scenario in which a rich man, adorned in fine clothes and a gold ring, and a poor man, dressed in dirty clothes, enter a gathering of believers. The rich man is given a place of honor, while the poor man is relegated to a lesser position. James declares this is an act of discrimination and a clear example of favoritism.
The problem with favoritism is that it distorts our perception of others and leads us to make unjust judgments. It causes us to value people based on their external attributes rather than their inherent worth as children of God. This is not only unfair to the individuals who are being judged, but it also undermines the unity and equality that should characterize the body of Christ.
James also points out the irony and hypocrisy of favoring the rich over the poor. He reminds his readers that it is often the rich who oppress them and drag them into court. By favoring the rich, believers were essentially siding with their oppressors. This is a stark reminder that favoritism can lead us to act against our own best interests and the interests of our community.
Favoritism is incompatible with mercy, which is a key attribute of God's character and a crucial aspect of Christian living. He states that "judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful." This suggests that if we want to receive mercy from God, we must also be willing to show mercy to others, regardless of their social status or outward appearance.
The Judgment of God is a powerful reminder that God's judgment is not like human judgment. Human judgment is often influenced by external appearances and societal status. We tend to favor those who are rich, powerful or influential, and discriminate against those who are poor, weak or marginalized. However, God's judgment is not based on these worldly standards.
God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance. He values faith, love and humility more than wealth, power or prestige. He has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him. This is a radical reversal of worldly values and expectations.
God doesn't play favorites and neither should we. He calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their social status, wealth, or appearance. We're all equal in His eyes. Let's strive to live out this truth in our daily lives, showing love and kindness to everyone we meet.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem