Favoritism - Another Word for Discrimination
James 2:2-4
“Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here is a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
One of the most obvious areas of favoritism and partiality in James’ era would be between the rich and the poor. There was no middle class in the time James lived. The majority of people were very poor and earned only enough to provide the most basic necessities for their families. In the early church we find both social groups, the rich and the poor, coming together for worship. I am sure there was a sense of discomfort when they sat together as done body of believers.
In this example we find some of the believers in this church showing favoritism to a rich person by giving him a more prominent seat and special treatment as opposed to the treatment of the poor man. The poor man in the story is describe in the original Greek language as not just poor, but literally a beggar… comparable to how we would describe a homeless person in today’s society. This type of person is not only considered an outcast among the rich, but can even be an outcast among those who are financially poor.
So ask yourself an important question. Why would someone cater to the needs of a rich man and not consider the feelings or needs of the poor beggar? The answer lies within the heart and the intentions, or motives, of the person showing favoritism. Many years ago a Christian man from Africa came to speak in my church. I still remember one very important point he made… he said, “The heart of man’s problem is the problem with man’s heart.” The Apostle Paul’s struggled to do what is good and right in Romans 7:14-25. Inside each one of us a war is raging between the flesh and the spirit. The flesh is selfish and desires to please only itself while the spirit of the believer desires to please God.
The characters presented in James’ example have shown favoritism to the rich man because of what he can do for them. His money and status could be of benefit to them while the poor beggar is unfairly judged as a burden and blemish to their church socially. Oh sure… they might get the poor beggar cleaned up and back on his feet but all too often they parade this person around so they can good about themselves as they boast about how they have helped him.
Paul warned Timothy about these things in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 when he said, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly (New Living Translation).”
