Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?” ~ James 2:1
In this chapter James argues against favoritism and for the necessity of good deeds. He presents three principles of faith: 1) Commitment is an essential part of faith. You cannot be a Christian simply by affirming the right doctrines or agreeing with biblical facts (2:19). You must commit your mind and heart to Christ. 2) Right actions are the natural by-products of true faith. A genuine Christian will have a changed life (2:18). 3) Faith without good deeds does not do anybody any good – it is useless (2:14-17). James’s teachings are consistent with Paul’s teaching that we receive salvation by faith alone. Paul emphasized the purpose of faith: to bring salvation. James emphasized the results of faith: a changed life.
2 “For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, ‘You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor’ – well, 4 does this discrimination not show that you are guided by wrong motives?” – James 2:2-4 – Why is it wrong to judge a person by his or her economic status? Wealth may indicate intelligence, wise decisions, and hard work. On the other hand, it may only mean that a person had the good fortune of being born into a wealthy family. Or it may be the sign of greed, dishonesty, or selfishness. By honoring someone just because he or she dresses well, we are making appearances more important than character. Sometimes we do this because 1) poverty makes us uncomfortable; we do not want to face our responsibilities to those who have less than we do; 2) we want to be wealthy also, and hope to use the rich person as a means to that end; 3) we want the rich person to join our church and help support it financially. All these motives are selfish, stemming from the view that the rich are superior to the poor. If we say that Christ is our Lord, then we must live as He requires, showing no favoritism and loving all people regardless of whether they are rich or poor.
We are often partial to the rich because we mistakenly assume that riches are a sign of GOD’s blessing and approval. But GOD does not promise us earthly rewards or riches; in fact, Christ calls us to be ready to suffer for Him and give up everything in order to hold on to eternal life. We will have untold riches in eternity if we are faithful in our present life.
For more information on eternal life read: Matthew 6:19-21; 19:28-30; Luke 12:14-34; Romans 8:15-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19. For more information on GOD’s untold riches in eternity read: Luke 6:35; John 12:23-25; Galatians 6:7-10; Titus 3:4-8.
LORD, help us to know and remember that looks can be deceiving. The person who is dressed in the finest of clothes and smiling on the outside can be the one who is sick at heart and hurting on the inside and the person who has shabby clothing may be happy and content with his life because YOU, Father GOD are the center of his/her focus. Help us as Christians to see others as YOU see them. We are all children of the Most High GOD – red and yellow, black and white – rich or poor – we are all precious in YOUR sight.
Photo: Durango (Colorado)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
