Your Purpose 3—Quash Favoritism Wherever You See It
James, brother of Jesus—yes, actual family member—and leader of the church in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension, writes “believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” No wiggle room there. Christians are to treat ALL equally. No preference given to wealthy people over poor people. Not for one race of person over another. Not for one gender over another.
Favoritism is giving preferential treatment to another, often while simultaneously treating someone else poorly or unfairly. Other Scriptures add to James’ admonition: Paul tells Timothy not to play favorites (1 Timothy 5:21)—in the context of delivering admonitions; justice is to be impartial (too many references in Leviticus, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Psalms to list here). God has no favorites (Romans 2:11), no favorite people/nation, doesn’t rank Jewish and Gentile believers, and He judges everyone justly (without favoritism).
Reflect:
Pray through James 2:1-13 as your prayer for yourself and your church today:
James 2 Favoritism Forbidden
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God 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? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999. Contact Shirley.
Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.