Favoritism
As we continue in our study of the book of James, we see that the author picks up his idea of not just being hearers of the word but to be doers of the word as well. Instead of just mentioning that in the previous chapter, he goes on to give us practical ways to live this out. Interestingly enough, he jumps right into it by pointing out in James 2:1, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” While the ESV uses the word partiality, other translations use the word favoritism. Showing favoritism is something we learn at a very young age. We see examples of this with kids at school who choose the most athletic kids first for teams at recess or even during lunch as kids sit with others they know or like better. Since we know this can make other kids feel left out and discouraged, we teach our kids not to show favoritism but to try and get everyone involved. The reality, though, is that showing favoritism doesn’t end in elementary school, unfortunately. It’s something people struggle with throughout their lives and it’s why James chose to devote the first half of chapter two on the topic.
For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
James 2:2-4
First Day on the Job
When I was in my early 20s, I started working in a sales job at Circuit City. Circuit City was basically Best Buy for those of you who aren’t old enough to know what that is, but red was their main color instead of blue. I worked in the home theater department and sold big-screen TVs and surround sound systems, and for someone who enjoyed these things, it was a very easy job. One of the things I remember was a lesson my boss told me on my first day. One day, he saw coworkers walk past a man who was covered in dirt and sweat and looking at TVs. The other salespeople had walked by, assuming this man couldn’t afford anything based on his appearance. Instead of making the assumption, he walked over to help him and ended up making the biggest sale he ever made.
This is the exact same lesson James is pointing out to us. While we may think showing favoritism is a kid’s problem, we’re only fooling ourselves. This is something we struggle with throughout our lives, and although my experience took place in a work setting, it's just as important, if not more important, to make sure we aren’t showing favoritism within the church. Whether someone walks in with a suit, a fancy dress, or dirty, worn-out clothes, we should greet them all the same way and make them feel welcome. If I’m being honest, though, I think that part may be easier. The part that may be more difficult is welcoming those in who are on the outside. I’m not saying we all do this, but I would lying if I said I’ve never done it. Are we always welcoming and inviting to those out in our communities or jobs in such a way that would lead them to feel welcomed and invited into our churches? This is a question that makes me really think about what James is saying in verse four. The reality is that my thoughts and judgment of others can lead to my ability for people to miss out on the love of Christ.
Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
James 2:5-7
At the start of verse five, James makes a quick reminder to us that a person’s wealth or societal standing does not disqualify them from faith in Him. On the contrary, he tells us that those who may be considered poor from an earthly standpoint are often rich in faith. Can you think of the times in your life when you struggled the most to make ends meet? It’s often in these times that we find ourselves most reliant on Christ’s strength. Those moments of helplessness are often the catalyst that drives us to fully rely on Him. When we stop and think about this, we should find the empathy to help those in need instead of thinking less of them. We’ve all been in positions of need, and if we think back to how we felt or what we hoped would happen, we can see Christ’s love for us and can extend that out as well.
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:8-13
If James hasn’t been clear on the importance of not showing favoritism, he really drives it home in this section. James’ reminder to the reader is that favoritism, or partiality, as he refers to it, is a sin and guilty within the eyes of the law. He parallels murder and adultery by saying that a person who commits adultery yet says they were not a murderer is still held in judgment by the same law. As is a person who says they did not steal but used the Lord’s name in vain. Guilt, in the eyes of the law, was not about being good enough; it was a reminder that none of us can measure up to it. When Jesus shared the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, He taught those who are listening that those who look at a woman with lustful intent are no different than someone who commits the act of adultery. Jesus’ point wasn’t about making it harder to fulfill the law; it was to point out that we can’t do it.
While so many people view the law as something that we should strive to live up to, which isn’t wrong, its purpose was not to strive to fulfill it. If that were the case, then everyone would, and does, fall short of it. That was the point. The intention of the law was to show us that we couldn’t measure up and we needed a Savior. Jesus was and is that Savior.
James wants us to understand the same thing. Those trying to live up to the law on the outside, yet hiding their sin, are drawing a wedge into the relationship that God longs to have them. Not only that, but they are missing out on the opportunities to share the Gospel and spread the Good News.
If we’re honest with ourselves, I think this is something we all struggle with from time to time. I want to challenge you, though, to write down how that is playing out in your life if you find yourself actively struggling with favoritism or partiality. If there is someone you’ve been ignoring or treating differently, it’s time to make that right. My challenge is that you would go to that person and apologize. Regardless of your intent, favoritism is wrong, and for those we’ve hurt because of it, we should strive to bring restoration. When God puts someone on our hearts about things like this, we need to listen, step out in faith, and follow His leading. Taking that opportunity could change your life, their life, or even create an incredible friendship you never expected.
