No Partiality

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Scripture: James 2:1-4 (ESV)

2 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 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, 3 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,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Devotion:

            Do we show favoritism? In today’s scripture we see an obvious example of partiality at work. Are we so sure that in the church today such games are not being played? While we may not be discriminating against the poor necessarily, we still have not been able to consistently integrate the races in our churches. And we may be less obvious in our favoritism than to enforce some kind of seating chart. I believe we still practice it in our actions. In fact, we may take this whole partiality thing to the next level.

            While it is unlikely that we will ever rid our assemblies of every issue of this sin that pops up from time to time, we should at least try to do so. The Christian church should be a place of acceptance for all. This does not mean that we have to approve of everything a person is or says but we can welcome everyone and provide hospitality to all. We should seek to make a person feel welcome and we should invite them into deeper relationship with Jesus. We cannot in our own power change anyone, but our Lord can.

            Our Lord desires that all come into a saving relationship with Him. We must be humble enough to admit our problems, failures, and sins. We need to ask for forgiveness and repent of our sins as soon as they are brought to our attention.

This includes the sin of partiality. It is so easy to fall into this sin. In our social media saturated age, it is easy to “like” and “share” only things we agree with. We can “friend” or “unfriend” people according to any whim or feeling we might have. Let us seek to find ways in both the real and virtual worlds to treat people the way God treats us. That is impartially. Let us pray for God’s wisdom and help to treat others better.

Prayer:

            Lord, accept us as we come to you. No matter how broken or messed up we are you love us without reserve. Help us to practice that kind of acceptance toward others. May we be known for a radical love that transcends boundaries and breaks stereotypes. Help us Lord, to live by the golden rule and the great commandment you gave us. Change us dear Jesus into the kind of people fit to inhabit heaven with you for all eternity. Amen.

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