Showing favoritism

None of us would like being called a racist or a bigot. Yet, there is another action that is very similar that we all tend to participate in almost unconsciously and even while we are at church. James calls it “showing personal favoritism.” James chapter 2 opens up with a command against favoritism. But what exactly does it mean to show favoritism? The word “favoritism” literally means to receive by face or to accept someone at face value. It is the idea of showing special attention to one person over another based on a particular external characteristic. James commands us to not show favoritism. The wording of this command would refer to stopping an action that was already taking place. The main idea of James teaching is that showing favoritism is a contradiction to following Christ.

James illustrates showing favoritism by giving the example of two visitors who come into church. One of these visitors is visibly rich, wearing a gold ring and fine clothes. The other first time guest is visibly poor, wearing dirty clothes. As a result, the rich man is given special treatment over the poor man. Sad to say, but this scenario is played out in churches each and every Sunday, yes including Grace Church. Favoritism is showing special attention based on outward characteristics. Favoritism does not always include mistreatment. When we show favoritism, James says that we become judges with evil motives. In other words, we become like a judge in a court of law who makes his legal decision based on these types of externals. If we would never stand for this type of favoritism in a court of law, why do we overlook it so easily in the church?

James gives several reasons as to why this type of activity should not happen. First, it was the ones the church was showing favoritism to who were the same ones who were harming them (James 2:6-7). It was mainly the rich who were oppressing Christians (Acts 4:1-17, 5:17-18; 16:19) and blaspheming the name of Christ. Secondly, by showing favoritism you sin, losing fellowship with God (James 2:9-11). This type of action is against the Law of God. Finally, James reminds his readers that their lack of mercy would result in a lack of mercy (James 2:12-13). Christians should live with the coming judgment in mind. James saw this event as possibly happening at anytime. He is speaking of the Judgment Seat of Christ when believers will be held accountable for their obedience and service (2 Corinthians 5:10). Believers are reminded that on that day mercy will be withheld from those who have displayed no mercy (Mt 5:7; 6:14-15; 7:1-2) as their works will be considered unworthy and burn (First Corinthians 3:15).

So what is the cure for favoritism? First, we must see others in view of God’s opinion of them (James 2:5). God did not discriminate against the poor. In fact, God chose the poor and made them rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom (First Corinthians 1:26-29; Matthew 19:23-24, 28-30). Second, we must treat others as we would want to be treated by them (James 2:8). The command to love your neighbor as yourself was a principle of the Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:31). By calling it a “royal” command, James was viewing it as an obligation of those who are heirs of the Kingdom because the command comes from the King Himself.