Scripture
“My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 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, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and you 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,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?”
JAMES 2:1-4
Quotes/Color
“Scripture does not attempt to set forth a series of hierarchical relationships but to communicate to us an inner attitude of mutual subordination.”
Richard Foster
Context
Let me fill you in on some observations I have made in life… The boss’ jokes are always funny. The beautiful girl in the room always has something interesting to say. And the rich guy seldom has a shortage of friends and attention.
The world loves important people. The world loves pretty people. The world loves rich people. So much so, that oftentimes if you are enough of one of these things (rich, pretty, important, well-known, etc), we willingly shower you with all sorts of positive attributes that have nothing to do with the above qualities.
Someone is attractive and has a nice smile. In turn, we disproportionately see her as trustworthy. Someone else is the cool guy in the room. He has influence and social sway. So we in turn disproportionately see him as funny when he wants to be and full of good ideas any time he contributes.
Psychologists call this the “Halo Effect.” Attributing all things positive and wonderful to the pretty, the popular and the rich.
What a danger it is as a Christian to look at worldly attractiveness and riches and confuse it with righteousness and goodness. The world already does this. But the reason to love this passage is that the Christian is called NOT to do this..
Application
The Christian is entirely, completely indiscriminate of someone’s social standing/attractiveness/prominence, according to James 2.
The Christian should be able to authentically talk to the most important person in the room with warmth and confidence, without slipping into flattery. AND… talk to the least important person in the room with undivided attention and delight, without slipping into indifference. That is what the Christian does.
Husband Points, But True
One of the best personal examples of this that I have in my life is my wonderful wife, Katie. Truly one of the first things that drew me to her was the warmth and attention she gave to whoever she talked to, no matter who they were. You could never find her looking over her shoulder to try to find someone more interesting to talk to at a party. You could never find her disengaged as she talked with someone. She always stood with shoulders squarely facing the person she talked with, eyes engaged, with a smile. Always! How refreshing and encouraging is that? Because of this we joke that she has a labrador retriever heart (which she does). Whoever is in front of her is the best person to be with, show affection to and welcome.
As a Christian, reject partiality today and every day. Say goodmorning to the janitor as you walk in the door and goodmorning to your boss before you get to your desk. Ask the class favorite’s plans this weekend and the class black sheep. Speak and interact with the common touch. Cast aside partiality.
Something to Chew On:
- Who do you naturally treat preferentially? Do they in some way benefit you socially, professionally, financially, relationally?
- Who do you overlook?
- How do you treat people who in no way benefit you?
- What are your intentions on who you choose to speak with (and how you go about doing so – are you blowing them off?) when in a crowded room?
Great Value Proverb:
Surprise others with kindness and warmth. Don’t look over your shoulder – just look right in front of you. Have a labrador retriever heart.
This one speaks to me so much! I’m reminded of one way that I feel Christ transformed my life: he freed me from the weight of other people’s opinions and perceptions. His love gives me the confidence to connect with people more authentically and more boldly, rather than fearing awkwardness and judgment.
Also just want to shout out Katie because this is a perfect description of every interaction with her in college. 🙂
You are the same way, always have been!