Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
5 “Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Has GOD not chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Are they not the ones who will inherit the Kingdom GOD promised to those who love HIM? Are they not the ones who slander Jesus Christ, who’s noble name you bear?” ~ James 1:5-7
When James spoke about the poor, he was talking about those who have no money and also about those whose simple values are despised by much of our affluent society. Perhaps the “poor” people 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. However, poor people are usually more aware of their powerlessness. Thus, it is often easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation. One of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich is pride. However, for the poor, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of salvation.
James condemns acts of favoritism. Often we treat a well-dressed, impressive-looking person better than someone who looks shabby. We do this because we would rather identify with successful people than with apparent failures. It is wrong to show favoritism to the wealthy because: 1) It is inconsistent with Christ’s teachings, 2) it results from evil thoughts, 3) it insults people made in GOD’s image, 4) It is a by-product of selfish motives, 5) it goes against the biblical definition of love, 6) it shows a lack of mercy to those less fortunate, 7) it is hypocritical, and 8) it is sin.
The irony of our favoritism is, as James reminds us, that the supposed winners may have gained their impressive life-style at our expense. In addition, the rich find it difficult to identify with the Lord Jesus, who came as a humble servant. Are you easily impressed by status, wealth, or fame? Are you partial to the “haves” while ignoring the “have nots”? This attitude is sinful. GOD views all people as equals, and if HE favors anyone, it is the poor and the powerless. We should follow HIS example.
Father help us to follow YOUR example and view all people as YOU do – as equals – whether they be rich or poor. Help us not to be easily impressed by the well dressed while shunning the less fortunate. We acknowledge that it is wrong to show favoritism based on wealth, status and/or fame, as it goes against everything our Lord Jesus taught. We must show mercy – not judgment – to the “have nots”.
Photo: The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, Colorado)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
