AUGUST 9 = JAMES 2
SUNDAY MORNING FAVORITISM
The other day, I heard from a young adult who had felt judged when they came to church. In my heart, I so much wanted to tell that young person that the sleight was only their own imagination. That no one really judges strangers at church. Then I remembered this instruction from James, and I realized that most of us are thoroughly immersed in exuding a judgmental spirit that is full of prejudice and judgment.
Jesus was famous for not being like that, you know. People with unclean spirits, adulterous women, people with every disability and disease, young people and old, Jesus seemed to value each person he met, and to extend grace to each one, quite in contrast to the Pharisees and respected teachers of the Law. If we follow in the Master’s footsteps, we will do the same.
And yet, I have found myself at church making judgments in my heart many times. I say this to my shame, but need to confess it here.
Here is the problem as James words it:
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s 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?”
What struck me one day was that I myself had fallen into showing favoritism with evil intent. As a professional minister, I saw my job as to make a church grow. So when I see strangers on a Sunday morning coming into the building, I saw them as potential members of the congregation.
I’d see a young couple enter, Bibles under their arms, dressed nicely and looking relatively well-to-do. My prejudice thinks, “I wonder if they can sing? Could be nursery workers. They probably have the practice of tithing. I’d like to get to know them better.”
Then I’d see an older guy sort to stumbling in. Probably asking for a handout. Dressed like he’s homeless, and most likely some sort of an addict. My life is already filled with takers. I just don’t have the energy to add another needy person to my schedule.
Now, after church, who am I most likely to invite to lunch? Of course it’s the people that I think will benefit me the most. Suddenly I saw my “evil intentions.” I had never thought of myself as “evil” on a Sunday morning, but there it was. I was discriminating among people and I had become a judge with evil thoughts.
That was some years ago that I noticed my favoritism. I have tried to avoid it since then. But it is always with me.
Is it wrong to discern a person’s needs, or to anticipate their station in life? No, it is not wrong. What is wrong is to favor some people and ignore others. I think Jesus would have noticed the homeless people and would have invited the addict to lunch, where he would ask, “What would you like me to do for you?”
He would already know the answer, of course. Like he did with the woman at the well. But it is best for a person to face their need and to ask for help, rather than to simply give.
It is the motive behind it all that makes the difference. When I am motivated by love, I don’t mind takers who require more attention from me, because I think of how I would feel if I were in their shoes.
Selfish motivation, on the other hand, always will get me in trouble. It’s not a matter of being discerning. It’s a matter of evil intentions.
So, how is it for you? Have you ever passed judgment on someone who is standing on a street corner with a cardboard sign in hand? What did you do about it?
May the Lord open our hearts, and help us to see people through His eyes. Amen.
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