The Study of James: Chapter 2:1-9

July 24, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

James 2:1-4 - “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 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,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” Have you ever treated an educated, well-dressed, impressive-looking person better than someone who looks well….poor? Perhaps we do this because we would rather identify ourselves with a successful person than with our assumption of an apparent failure. Do you feel better about yourself when you associate with people who look sharp and admirable? The irony here, as James reminds us, is that the supposed winners may have gained their impressive lifestyle - at our expense! In addition, the rich find it hard to identify with the Lord Jesus who came to earth as a simple, poor and humble servant.

 

     Is it easy to be impressed by status, wealth, or fame? Are you partial to the haves while ignoring the have not’s? Prejudice - simply put – is a sin! God views all people as equals. Do you think God loves some people more than you? Do you think He judges us based on what material possessions we have or that He cares more for those a little prettier, more handsome, and with a bit more jingle in their jeans? Absolutely not! If He favors anyone (He doesn’t!), it would be the poor and the powerless that simply cannot help themselves. As Christ followers, we should follow His example, don’t you think?

 

     Why it’s so wrong to judge a person by his economic status? Wealth may only appear to indicate intelligence, wise decisions, or hard work, but on the other hand, it may mean only that person had the good fortune of being born into a wealthy family. It’s possible perhaps, that it could also be a sign of greed, dishonesty and selfishness on the part of that person. By honoring someone just because they dress well, we make their appearance more important than their character.

 

     If we profess Christ is Lord of our lives, then we must live as He lived, showing no favoritism and loving ALL people regardless of their circumstances.

 

     Not all the rich have been blessed by God, for God does not promise earthly rewards or riches. In fact, Christ calls us to be ready to suffer for Him and give up everything in order to hold onto eternal life. “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Matthew 19:30 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

 

James 2:5-7 – “Listen, my dear brothers: 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? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?” Here James is talking about those who have no money, and also those whose simple values are despised by much of our affluent society. Perhaps they prefer serving to managing - human relationships to financial security - peace to power? This does not mean that the poor will automatically go to heaven and the rich to hell. Often the rich simply cannot accept the fact they need to be saved or even need a Savior. Poor people, however, are usually more aware of their powerlessness, and thus it is usually easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation.

 

     One of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich – is pride!  For the poor, it is bitterness. Could it be that your pride or bitterness is standing in the way of you accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?

 

James 2:8-9 – “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” We must treat all people as we would want to be treated. We should not ignore the rich, because when we do, we’re withholding the love that as Christians should live inside of us. We also must not favor them for what they can do for us, while ignoring the poor because we assume they offer us little in return. “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18, “Love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39

 

Lord Jesus,

 

     You died for each of us with no prejudice to our social or economic status – help us burst through every barrier and love as You have loved. For how can we truly call ourselves a Christ-follower, if we fail to follow You? We promise to love and respect everyone just as You have commanded. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.