The Sin of Partiality (James 2:1-9)

 


The Sin of Partiality (James 2:1-9)

“… have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts.” (James 2:4)

Words like “racist”, “white supremacist”, “Nazi”, “fascist”, etc. are thrown around so much they have lost much of their original meaning. Our politics are often reduced to “kill the messenger” vs “listening and evaluating the message”. As James wrote to the dispersed tribes of Israel, he paid special attention to hypocrisy, pure religion, and partiality. As Jews, the twelve tribes had strict rules of worship, assembly, family, work, diet, etc. Judaism was a very legalistic, outward presentation of what should have been an inward condition of the heart. Lifestyle was to mimic the holiness and purity of God.

As Jewish Christians, their outward legalism had been converted to a new condition of the heart where the Holy Spirit was their guide. Evidently when they came together to worship and fellowship; power, prestige, position, and wealth impressed them. They may have associated affluence with the blessings of God and poverty as the curse of God. (Many today suffer from that same illusion.) James was explicit… partiality has no place in the Christian heart or Christian assembly.

These Christians were impressed with “gold rings and fine apparel” and unimpressed with the “filthy clothes” of the poor man. They elevated the rich man to the best seat and moved the poor man to a lesser seat or maybe even the floor. Their partiality was based on the riches of this world. James turned their sinful actions against them and wanted them to see the heart, not temporal possessions. James states in 2:5 “God chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom.”

Partiality is a common problem in the local church. Most positions are held by those who are the most educated, popular, wealthy, influential, and well spoken. Yet the poor may have a much better understanding and sensitivity to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. We must reassess our approach to leadership and make sure we are not showing partiality based on “our standards” of outward appeal.

James instructs us to “fulfill the royal law” which says we are to “love our neighbor as ourselves”.  He goes on to say “partiality is a sin and offenders will be convicted of the law (perfect law of liberty) as transgressors.”(2:9)

Showing partiality based on temporal wealth and influence is a sin. It is judging of the highest order! There is only one judge and that is Jesus. We must “visit the true widows and orphans” and respect all people because they are made in the image of God.

Take a survey this week and see if you are partial to particular people. Confess to God and adjust your approach. Remember, “the ground is level at the foot of the cross.”

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