Let's Be Fair About It - James 2:1-13

Allow me to start thinking about some of the most relevant parts of this lesson by quoting from God’s word—“Judge not lest you be judged by the same judgment.” Are you prone to judge others? Would you prefer to be judged by Almighty God or by your piers? Which is more likely to be fair, honest an unbiased while making judgment on you? Personally, I prefer my judge to be God or his Son, because I truly believe they are the only one that can be “FAIR ABOUT IT.” Other judges {you and I} all of us, have some pre-conceived notions that could prevent our sincerity and make it impossible for us to render an honest verdict.

What is “it?” “It” is favoritism. “It” may be pride, prejudice, or our belief that we have a right to pre-judge others based on what we think, or know to be bible based. I am not without sin. Favoritism toward some…or a bias against others for our personal reason is sin. We should be able to admit or sin and be willing to search our hearts for ways that we can be forgiven and seek ways to prevent the same sins from reoccurring in our life. What causes my problem with favoritism or bias?

Here are a few examples that cross my mind. If I were serving as a juror at your trial where you were falsely charged you would be more likely to be found guilty if you: 1. had your arms covered with tattoos. 2. Were a man with a pony-tail and/or ear rings. 3. Were women with a diamond stud in your tongue or a mini-skirt, with low and revealing v-neck blouse and high-heal shoes. 4. Were a teen-ager wearing tight, body-fit genes, low-down in the back, showing a big skinny V, and long legs with two inches walked ragged under your heals. 5. You may make a perfect appearance [in my sight] but admit that you are a conscientious-objector and have refused to serve our country when called upon. 6. It will not be in your favor if I know that you are well-bodied and living on well-fare.

Now, in my minds-eye none of the above examples are desirable and all of the examples paint a picture of a person that I do not admire, however, so far as I know, neither of the above examples is a committed sin or wrong, or would prove that a crime had been perpetrated. After reading our lesson for today’s discussion I found that James teaches that favoritism is judgmental [James 2: 1-4]. Favoritism is Unreasonable [2:57]. And favoritism is sinful [2: 8-13].

The lesson today covers the teaching of James as recorded in the first thirteen verses of chapter two. We are fortunate when we are able to reduce the necessary reading to as few as thirteen verses; and so I recommend that you take the extra time necessary and read carefully these first verses. You can be sure that the message intended has been completely covered in the fewest number of words possible.

In the second chapter James argues against favoritism and for the necessity of good deeds. He presents three principles of faith. First, he says that 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 heart and mind to Christ. Second, right actions are the natural and normal byproducts of true faith. There are no exceptions; a genuine Christian will start living a changed life.

Faith without good deeds does not do anyone any good. This teaching found here in James is consistent with Paul’s teaching that we receive salvation by faith alone. Paul emphasizes the PURPOSE of faith is to bring us salvation. James emphasizes the RESULTS of faith is a changed life.

In the first seven verses James condemns acts of favoritism. Even so, we know that people still look at the clothes we wear; the way we dress; the way we smell. Some of us allow the wearing of gaudy clothes, long hair, nose rings, and tattoos to affect our way of judging others. We probably think of some of these as being failures, and we do not want to be identified with them. The rich still have problems identifying with the poor and in many cases they reject Christ because he was willing to be with, among, and for the poor. The rich prefer to be served, and Christ came to serve others.

Both are deceased and well respected, and should be thought of as honorable citizens of Arkansas; but if they were still living and present in our congregation next Sunday, would you prefer to sit on the pew with J.B.Hunt and Sam Walton or a farmer or auto mechanic? Let me be even more specific; would you prefer to associate with Hunt and Walton because they were both Christian men or because they were rich and famous?
Why is it wrong to use economic status as a means by which we judge others? Wealth may indicate intelligence; wealth may have come because of wise decisions which are always good. Finally, wealth may be the result of hard work with which there can be no wrong. There are the opposites, in that wealth may be inherited; or may have come as a result of greed, selfishness or dishonesty even at our expense. Do you really want to make appearance more important than character?

Do you feel uncomfortable in the presence of the poor? Ever wonder why? Could it be that it makes you aware of your responsibility to those who have less than you have? Do you have a desire to be rich? Be careful that you are not willing to use others who are rich in order to gain the riches you desire. My church has always been one with great financial need and I am guilty of praying for new members that would be financially able to help us with the church finances. This may not be a sin but it is getting close, because I should want new members to be saved in our church. These are selfish motives because both rich and poor are in need of Christian fellowship.

We should never look at the rich and think that they have received a special blessing from God. God does not promise his people any special rewards or riches; in fact he warns us to be ready to suffer as a result of our being willing to serve Him. When Jesus speaks about the poor, he is talking about those who have no money and also about those whose simple values are despised by much of our affluent society. Jesus loves the poor because they prefer to serve others rather than managing others. At no place in God’s word do we find that the rich will go to hell and the poor will automatically go to heaven. Poor people are more aware of their powerlessness and it may be easier for them to realize their need for salvation. The bible definitely states that it will be easier for the poor to accept Christ and that it is sometimes very difficult for a rich man to go to heaven.

In verse eight, he speaks of the royal law, which is the law of our King, Jesus Christ who taught us to love each other as he has loved us. We must love our neighbor as we love ourselves and as Christ loves us. Whether our neighbor is rich or poor makes no difference the command is the same. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”