10:31 James Devotional #11

As we journey into chapter two of this hard-hitting book, James deals once again at the heart level.  Can showing favoritism to others coexist with the love that Christ has shed abroad in our hearts?  The answer and explanation that is given might surprise you!

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: poor man, one dressed in fine clothes, and judges.

Passage for the day:  James 2:1-4 (NASB)

1  My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.

2  For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes,

3  And you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool.”

4  Have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?

Questions for thought:  Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

What are the main differences between the two visitors in this passage?

How does James say that the people in the church responded to each man?  How would you respond to these people if they walked into our youth group?

What are some ways that a person could show an attitude of favoritism and judge with the wrong motives?

Meditate on this:

It is clear from this passage that we should not play favorites.  But yet we do, sinners that we are. The world shows its true nature in its lack of love for the many who suffer under desperate circumstances.  For the Christian, can showing favoritism to others coexist with the love that Christ has shed abroad in our hearts? Impossible! 

In this passage, we see a well-dressed rich man and an unattractive poor man show up at a meeting of Christians (most likely a church gathering).  The rich man is decked out with luxury, which invites many “oohs” and “ahhhs” from the rest of the group as he walks in.  His very presence requires that he deserves special treatment as a VIP.  He is immediately given the finest seat in the church and many people are drawn to him.  The other man is poor and in a desperate situation.  It is clear that his clothes are shabby and grimy.  As he walks into the room, people in the congregation start to feel uncomfortable and wish that he had not showed up.  He is told that he can sit on the floor by a footstool.  They ignore the neediness of this poor man and seek the favor of the man who is well dressed.  Unfortunately, the one who is in the greatest need is the one who is neglected and forgotten.

Picture this happening in our youth group on Sunday morning or Wednesday night.  You’re sitting there talking with your friends and in walks a professional athlete or movie star that you know.  You are immediately drawn to them and run up to meet them!  Then, almost at the same time, someone else walks in who looks like a freak of nature.  His clothes are filthy and tattered, and he reeks of body odor.  What will you do?  Will you embrace this poor person and give them your seat?  Will you show Christ’s love for them regardless of what others will think of you?  Or, will you show favoritism and judge the poor person with evil motives?

So many times we are guilty of being judgmental of others and we do not show the love of Christ to those who are in desperate need of it!  Let’s seek to do what Christ did by showing love, not favoritism.

Praying for that you would Love Christ PASSIONATELY, Know Christ DEEPLY, and Enjoy Christ FULLY!!!




Pastor Stephen