Introduction: Do you remember the trial of the century, the O.J. Simpson trial? It was one of the longest, most bizarre, and most infamous trials in America. Why was that though?

Certainly the media coverage promoted it. The drama of the case. The personalities involved. One of the most interesting aspects of the case were the opinion polls. An ABC poll asked people whether or not they thought O.J. was guilty. On the whole, 71% of the people did. However, that stat does not tell the whole story. When you break the poll down by race, you find 78% of white Americans think he was guilty, but only 22% of African-Americans. I can hardly imagine any other question which would result in such a wide difference between African-Americans and whites. Why the difference? There was a certain percentage of whites who were inclined to think O.J. was guilty because he is African-American, and a larger percentage of African-Americans who think he was innocent because he is an African-American. That is a great number of people, basing their judgment about guilt or innocence on the color of someone's skin.

There are even more aspects to this though. Some people liked Kato Kaelin because he “had pretty hair.” Many liked Johnny Cochoran because he “wore nice suits.” The whole trial pointed out how much people pay attention to, and make decisions about people based on their outward appearance. You know what though? I am not the first person to make this observation. In the first century of the early church, James made this observation as well and where he saw it taking place wasn’t in the courtroom, but rather in the sanctuary of the church!

READ: James 2:1-7

We are going to discuss four areas of favoritism in this chapter. In doing so we are going to answer some questions that are raised in this passage. Be looking not only intently at the Scripture, but also be looking intently at your own heart. Is there a problem of favoritism in your heart?

I. The Problem of Favoritism--2:1

1. The first thing James does in this passage is to again refer to his readers as brothers in Christ. James has been referring to his readers as brothers and sisters in Christ throughout chapter one and will continue this throughout the book. Though James has and will cover some areas that these Christians needed to change because they were attitudes or actions totally uncharacteristic of Christians, he is still writing to believers. He is writing to us as well.

2. This passage, as usual, begins with a command. That command is, “do not have respect of persons.” This is just another way of saying one is showing favoritism or partiality toward some and not toward others. This idea may relate back to what he was just talking about with respect to widows and orphans. They would generally be people who were viewed unfavorably. What does favoritism mean actually? The word here is an idiomatic expression which literally means "to accept a face. Its meaning encompasses the idea of looking on a person favorably, because of his outward appearance, and making unjust distinctions between people, treating some with respect and others with no respect.

3. Being completely impartial is difficult. God is impartial, however. James refers to Jesus as our "Lord of glory“, insinuating the lofty status of His judgment and His ability to be completely impartial. This is a fact stressed throughout the Bible. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us “the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” God sees something different than we often do. He does not care what anyone looks like or what his social status is, but we sure seem to. James reminds these "Christians" that this worldly practice of showing favoritism is not to be accepted and embraced by them.

4. Why? What does OUR partiality have to do with the LORD OF GLORY?

a. As Christians (those who have “the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ”) we profess to be Christ's disciples, or followers, whose goal is (or should be) to imitate Him - Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

b. As such, our actions are likely to be considered by others as a reflection of what Christ teaches.

c. If we show partiality as Christians, we leave the impression that Jesus Himself is partial (prejudiced, biased, racist)

Therefore, if we are not careful, the glory of the Lord can be tainted by OUR partiality!

Application: Is having “respect of persons” a problem in your life? Most people will probably not admit that they DO have a problem in this area, but all to often it is there. It comes out in what they say about those who are different them - different in skin color, education, economic differences. Some do not even realize that they are being biased because they have never stopped and taken a close look at themselves and what they are saying and doing. Others have convinced themselves that there are racial differences and that it is ok, even as a Christian, to treat such people with contempt and disdain. They may convince themselves with references from scripture and from a review of history, but it still boils down to open disobedience of God’s Word. Some might counter and say, but pastor, this text is speaking of those who come into the church, not those who do not have time for church. How many people can really distinguish between their bias toward folks outside the church, but when those same folks come to church they are able to show Christian love and concern toward them? Let’s be honest with ourselves and with God, it doesn’t happen that way. If their is daily animosity toward others who are different from us, we WILL show that animosity when such folks come into contact with us at church or anywhere. The root of the problem is a problem of the heart. The “Lord of Glory” is not pleased by such attitudes. Has anybody said “ouch” yet?

5. Let me make it clear though, before we move on to the next verses, James is not condemning discernment that comes through an understanding of another person’s character. The book of Proverbs makes it clear that such discernment is a mark of a wise person. He is condemning prejudiced attitudes and behaviors toward other people based on superficial appearances, and James now provides several examples of this type of prejudiced attitude.

II. The Examples of Favoritism--2:2,3

1. We are not sure from the text whether this is something James has actually witnessed, or whether he is just discussing a generalized example about what probably does happen all too often within gatherings of Christians. Suppose a man were to come into your meeting, and he happens to be wearing a gold ring and “goodly apparel.” Today we would associate that with a guy who wears an Armani suit, silk shirt and tie, stylish Italian leather shoes, and a gold and diamond Gucci watch. What would we think, if someone like that walked into church? Would dollar signs pop up in our eyes like they do in cartoon characters? Would we think, "Hey, imagine all he could do for this church. Wow, with even 5% of what he makes we could remodel the sanctuary." We would be sure to talk to him and invite him back.

2. But then what about the flip side? What if a poor man wearing shabby clothes came in. This would probably be someone who is wearing dirty clothes which are much worn. He/she might smell, his their would be mussed, their hygiene not too good. Would we think, "Ooo, that person reeks. What a loser. He's just looking for another handout. What a drag he will be on the church." James suspects that is what would transpire.

3. He is probably right, isn't he? We may act nice and compassionate and all, but our inward thoughts would probably represent this picture pretty well. James says you will probably show the rich guy in and find him the best seat in the house. The poor guy you will tell to stand in the back, or even sit on the floor in the foyer. The illustration is not necessarily about rich and poor though. James has in mind any outward appearance that might cause us to look favorably on one and unfavorably on another. In our society we do that with those who are rich and those who are poor, but we probably do it to a greater extent with regards to race.

4. God doesn't want appearance centered judgments to be a mark of Christians. He does not want us to favor rich over poor, but not the other way around either. He doesn't want us to favor whites over African-Americans, but not the opposite either. He wants us to totally disregard outward appearances and instead look, as God does, at the heart of each individual. Never does he tell us to hate the rich, but rather not favor them over the poor. We should focus on our inward similarities, not our outward differences.

God wants us to look at those things which bind us together, not draw attention to those things which might divide us.

Illustration: In colonial times when churches had the abominable practice of pew renting, there is a story told about a strange lady who entered a church and walked all way to the third pew from the front and seated herself. It was the first service for the church's new minister and a large crowd eventually assembled. Fresh out of college, he had been highly recommended to the congregation as a fluent, gifted, handsome young man and all the people were anxious to get their first impressions. The service was marred, however, when two of the wealthy ladies came in and discovered this obviously poor and strange lady in their pew. Since they had paid the rental on the pew they asked the other lady to leave. When she did not seem to hear them, they made loud remarks about the other's dress, appearance and obvious poverty, commenting that one in her circumstance had no right to mingle with them. Finally, when talk failed to move her out, one of the ladies signaled for an usher to come and escort the intruder to the rear where the free pews were. Shortly thereafter, the new minister came out to the platform and the ladies in pew three “oohed” and “aahed,” noting with vocal satisfaction that he was to be their dinner guest that noon. The young preacher, however, instead of starting the service, stood at the edge of the platform gazing around the congregation. Eventually he smiled, stepped off the platform and made his way back to the free pew section and then escorted the old lady back to where she had been expelled, saying to the two in the pew, "Will you ladies permit my mother to sit with you in your pew where she can hear better?" Terribly embarrassed, the duo agreed, lamenting afterward that they had not known she was the new pastor's mother. Of course not, but what did that have to do with it? Actually, she had an even higher position than being their new minister's mother; she was a child of the King, rich in faith, an heir of the kingdom which He has promised to all who love Him, to use the same terminology James used.

Next James moves to a question which is a charge against this kind of behavior and attitude. Look at verse 4.

III. The Charge of Favoritism--2:4

1. Here we find the summation of James' illustration which comes in the form of a question. This is a special question though. He says, when you do this, "Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?" Most people probably would have looked at this situation and said, "Yeah that might happen, but what is really wrong with it?" After all, these rich people may improve the standing of the church, which might advance the cause of the Gospel. "No," James says, "that is the kind of thinking which I am talking about." It is evil, discriminatory, and judgmental. In Greek, the construction of the question assumes a positive or affirmative response. Haven't you discriminated? Yes, James wants the people to see how inappropriate those thoughts and actions are. In Christ, there is neither slave nor free, Jew or gentile, poor or rich, black or white.

2. James uses a little play on words here. The Greek word for "partial" means to "make distinctions or judge between.” He then states that they have become “judges with evil thoughts.” What does that mean? He means that when one Christian shows partiality toward another different Christian or person, the thoughts of their heart are injurious and destructive. He tells his readers straight out they are engaging in favoritism and this is totally wrong. In the past they have been completely oblivious to it, but now James tells them they must stop and take a good look at what they are doing.

Application: How about you? Does this charge of being a “judge with evil thoughts” hold true against you? Could James point out an incident in your recent walk, where you acted as an unjust and discriminatory judge? Could he ask this same question of you? How do you view other people? Do you seek to know who they really are, or do you simply judge them by their appearance, or their race, or the way they speak, or their education, or their fashion sense, or some comment they have made, or their social status, or whatever? Really look deep inside, and test yourself and see whether or not this question must have an assumed "yes" for an answer.

Next, James moves to an explanation of why showing favoritism is just plain ignorant.

IV. The Ignorance of Favoritism--2:5-7

1. He begins verse five again by saying "my beloved brethren,” and then drawing their close attention by saying, "Hearken" This is an active imperative - a definite command. He is afraid his readers don't understand, so he calls them to stop for a second and really see the ignorance of favoritism. James basically says, "Look, why would you want to favor the rich or pay special attention to those of the upper social class? Don't you know God has chosen many of us poor people to be with Him in heaven? Why would you envy a rich person then? What good comes of showing favoritism?" God doesn't. God could have rejected you because you are poor, but he didn't. No, instead He chose you. You have access now to the ultimate riches in heaven. You are rich in faith, and that is what matters, not the outward appearance or accumulation of money. But that is precisely what we do.

2. We insult the poor, of whom many will be in heaven. We praise and fawn over the rich, and they are the ones who persecute us. They are the ones who try to take away what we do have. They are the ones who drag us into court and make our lives miserable. But we turn around and treat them like friends, and spit on those who are less fortunate. Why can't we see the ignorance in all this? Why don't we understand? As we look around the world, we see they are even cursing the very name of the person we claim to worship and believe in. Shouldn't that tell us something?

Notice how Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

3. Paul makes it very clear how God looks upon those who are poor in this world and are despised by many around them, including other believers - “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” What an amazing statement that is. How ridiculous it is for believers in the church to treat with disdain and with no respect those whom God has placed His mercy and grace and has made them spiritually rich and heirs of all that is His in His kingdom!

4. Look around you. Who is it in this world that is often hurting Christians the most? Who is it that defames the name of Jesus? It's people we often look up to and admire and want to get close to. It is TV and movie stars, celebrities, politicians, athletes, and business moguls. How many of us put up pictures of Bible characters, or missionaries, or pastors in our rooms as young people? Probably not too many. Who was it that ended up on your walls? Now remember, James doesn't want us to go the other way and hate these people. He doesn't want reverse discrimination. He doesn't want class envy. He doesn't want politically engineered programs that steal from the rich and give to the poor. What he wants, is people who simply look past all of these things. People who have their minds on the things God has His mind on. People who look inside others, not just at the outside.

5. This is the attitude of the true Christian. Impartial, non-superficial. Someone, who pays no attention to race or gender or riches or beauty. These things are all temporary. All earthly. All unimportant in God's eternal plan.

Conclusion: So how about you? Are you guilty of showing favoritism? Honestly, now. Don't put your head in the sand, or plug your ears and sing happy birthday. The cure has been spelled out here by James.

a. First, recognize what the problem is. See it for what it is_ favoritism, discrimination and prejudice.

b. Secondly, be aware of examples. Learn from them. Learn from others' mistakes.

c. Thirdly, accept the charge and seek to change your attitude and behavior, so that no one will ever look upon you as someone who shows favoritism.

d. And finally, realize favoritism is based on pure ignorance. Those who are racist or prejudiced, and base their opinions on outward appearances or social status are just plain ignorant. Rise above that. Look around you at the world, and see it for what it is. Look to Jesus as your example. Look to God for wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 14:31 says, He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoreth him hath mercy on the poor.

Where do you fit in that picture? Are you honoring or reproaching God by your attitude toward the poor or told those who are different than you? The author of Proverbs has a warning to all who will not heed God’s heart toward those who are poor. In Proverbs 21:13 he writes, Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. That is quite a price to pay if you ask me for not being concerned for the same people that God is concerned for!


		Showing Favoritism James 2:1-7

Home Baptist Basics Messages Ministries Crusader Club Our Missionaries Our History Guest Book Contact Directions Helpful Links Announcements Vacation Bible School	Introduction: Do you remember the trial of the century, the O Introduction: Do you remember the trial of the century, the O.J. Simpson trial? It was one of the longest, most bizarre, and most infamous trials in America. Why was that though? Certainly the media coverage promoted it. The drama of the case. The personalities involved. One of the most interesting aspects of the case were the opinion polls. An ABC poll asked people whether or not they thought O.J. was guilty. On the whole, 71% of the people did. However, that stat does not tell the whole story. When you break the poll down by race, you find 78% of white Americans think he was guilty, but only 22% of African-Americans. I can hardly imagine any other question which would result in such a wide difference between African-Americans and whites. Why the difference? There was a certain percentage of whites who were inclined to think O.J. was guilty because he is African-American, and a larger percentage of African-Americans who think he was innocent because he is an African-American. That is a great number of people, basing their judgment about guilt or innocence on the color of someone's skin. There are even more aspects to this though. Some people liked Kato Kaelin because he “had pretty hair.” Many liked Johnny Cochoran because he “wore nice suits.” The whole trial pointed out how much people pay attention to, and make decisions about people based on their outward appearance. You know what though? I am not the first person to make this observation. In the first century of the early church, James made this observation as well and where he saw it taking place wasn’t in the courtroom, but rather in the sanctuary of the church! READ: James 2:1-7 We are going to discuss four areas of favoritism in this chapter. In doing so we are going to answer some questions that are raised in this passage. Be looking not only intently at the Scripture, but also be looking intently at your own heart. Is there a problem of favoritism in your heart? I. The Problem of Favoritism--2:1 1. The first thing James does in this passage is to again refer to his readers as brothers in Christ. James has been referring to his readers as brothers and sisters in Christ throughout chapter one and will continue this throughout the book. Though James has and will cover some areas that these Christians needed to change because they were attitudes or actions totally uncharacteristic of Christians, he is still writing to believers. He is writing to us as well. 2. This passage, as usual, begins with a command. That command is, “do not have respect of persons.” This is just another way of saying one is showing favoritism or partiality toward some and not toward others. This idea may relate back to what he was just talking about with respect to widows and orphans. They would generally be people who were viewed unfavorably. What does favoritism mean actually? The word here is an idiomatic expression which literally means "to accept a face. Its meaning encompasses the idea of looking on a person favorably, because of his outward appearance, and making unjust distinctions between people, treating some with respect and others with no respect. 3. Being completely impartial is difficult. God is impartial, however. James refers to Jesus as our "Lord of glory“, insinuating the lofty status of His judgment and His ability to be completely impartial. This is a fact stressed throughout the Bible. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us “*the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”* God sees something different than we often do. He does not care what anyone looks like or what his social status is, but we sure seem to. James reminds these "Christians" that this worldly practice of showing favoritism is not to be accepted and embraced by them. 4. Why? What does OUR partiality have to do with the LORD OF GLORY? a. As Christians (those who have *“the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ”) we profess to be Christ's disciples, or followers, whose goal is (or should be) to imitate Him - Luke 6:40* *The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.* b. As such, our actions are likely to be considered by others as a reflection of what Christ teaches. c. If we show partiality as Christians, we leave the impression that Jesus Himself is partial (prejudiced, biased, racist) Therefore, if we are not careful, the glory of the Lord can be tainted by OUR partiality! Application: Is having “respect of persons” a problem in your life? Most people will probably not admit that they DO have a problem in this area, but all to often it is there. It comes out in what they say about those who are different them - different in skin color, education, economic differences. Some do not even realize that they are being biased because they have never stopped and taken a close look at themselves and what they are saying and doing. Others have convinced themselves that there are racial differences and that it is ok, even as a Christian, to treat such people with contempt and disdain. They may convince themselves with references from scripture and from a review of history, but it still boils down to open disobedience of God’s Word. Some might counter and say, but pastor, this text is speaking of those who come into the church, not those who do not have time for church. How many people can really distinguish between their bias toward folks outside the church, but when those same folks come to church they are able to show Christian love and concern toward them? Let’s be honest with ourselves and with God, it doesn’t happen that way. If their is daily animosity toward others who are different from us, we WILL show that animosity when such folks come into contact with us at church or anywhere. The root of the problem is a problem of the heart. The “Lord of Glory” is not pleased by such attitudes. Has anybody said “ouch” yet? 5. Let me make it clear though, before we move on to the next verses, James is not condemning discernment that comes through an understanding of another person’s character. The book of Proverbs makes it clear that such discernment is a mark of a wise person. He is condemning prejudiced attitudes and behaviors toward other people based on superficial appearances, and James now provides several examples of this type of prejudiced attitude. II. The Examples of Favoritism--2:2,3 1. We are not sure from the text whether this is something James has actually witnessed, or whether he is just discussing a generalized example about what probably does happen all too often within gatherings of Christians. Suppose a man were to come into your meeting, and he happens to be wearing a gold ring and “goodly apparel.” Today we would associate that with a guy who wears an Armani suit, silk shirt and tie, stylish Italian leather shoes, and a gold and diamond Gucci watch. What would we think, if someone like that walked into church? Would dollar signs pop up in our eyes like they do in cartoon characters? Would we think, "Hey, imagine all he could do for this church. Wow, with even 5% of what he makes we could remodel the sanctuary." We would be sure to talk to him and invite him back. 2. But then what about the flip side? What if a poor man wearing shabby clothes came in. This would probably be someone who is wearing dirty clothes which are much worn. He/she might smell, his their would be mussed, their hygiene not too good. Would we think, "Ooo, that person reeks. What a loser. He's just looking for another handout. What a drag he will be on the church." James suspects that is what would transpire. 3. He is probably right, isn't he? We may act nice and compassionate and all, but our inward thoughts would probably represent this picture pretty well. James says you will probably show the rich guy in and find him the best seat in the house. The poor guy you will tell to stand in the back, or even sit on the floor in the foyer. The illustration is not necessarily about rich and poor though. James has in mind any outward appearance that might cause us to look favorably on one and unfavorably on another. In our society we do that with those who are rich and those who are poor, but we probably do it to a greater extent with regards to race. 4. God doesn't want appearance centered judgments to be a mark of Christians. He does not want us to favor rich over poor, but not the other way around either. He doesn't want us to favor whites over African-Americans, but not the opposite either. He wants us to totally disregard outward appearances and instead look, as God does, at the heart of each individual. Never does he tell us to hate the rich, but rather not favor them over the poor. We should focus on our inward similarities, not our outward differences. God wants us to look at those things which bind us together, not draw attention to those things which might divide us. Illustration: In colonial times when churches had the abominable practice of pew renting, there is a story told about a strange lady who entered a church and walked all way to the third pew from the front and seated herself. It was the first service for the church's new minister and a large crowd eventually assembled. Fresh out of college, he had been highly recommended to the congregation as a fluent, gifted, handsome young man and all the people were anxious to get their first impressions. The service was marred, however, when two of the wealthy ladies came in and discovered this obviously poor and strange lady in their pew. Since they had paid the rental on the pew they asked the other lady to leave. When she did not seem to hear them, they made loud remarks about the other's dress, appearance and obvious poverty, commenting that one in her circumstance had no right to mingle with them. Finally, when talk failed to move her out, one of the ladies signaled for an usher to come and escort the intruder to the rear where the free pews were. Shortly thereafter, the new minister came out to the platform and the ladies in pew three “oohed” and “aahed,” noting with vocal satisfaction that he was to be their dinner guest that noon. The young preacher, however, instead of starting the service, stood at the edge of the platform gazing around the congregation. Eventually he smiled, stepped off the platform and made his way back to the free pew section and then escorted the old lady back to where she had been expelled, saying to the two in the pew, "Will you ladies permit my mother to sit with you in your pew where she can hear better?" Terribly embarrassed, the duo agreed, lamenting afterward that they had not known she was the new pastor's mother. Of course not, but what did that have to do with it? Actually, she had an even higher position than being their new minister's mother; she was a child of the King, rich in faith, an heir of the kingdom which He has promised to all who love Him, to use the same terminology James used. Next James moves to a question which is a charge against this kind of behavior and attitude. Look at verse 4. III. The Charge of Favoritism--2:4 1. Here we find the summation of James' illustration which comes in the form of a question. This is a special question though. He says, when you do this, *"Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"* Most people probably would have looked at this situation and said, "Yeah that might happen, but what is really wrong with it?" After all, these rich people may improve the standing of the church, which might advance the cause of the Gospel. "No," James says, "that is the kind of thinking which I am talking about." It is evil, discriminatory, and judgmental. In Greek, the construction of the question assumes a positive or affirmative response. Haven't you discriminated? Yes, James wants the people to see how inappropriate those thoughts and actions are. In Christ, there is neither slave nor free, Jew or gentile, poor or rich, black or white. 2. James uses a little play on words here. The Greek word for "partial" means to "make distinctions or judge between.” He then states that they have become *“judges with evil thoughts.”* What does that mean? He means that when one Christian shows partiality toward another different Christian or person, the thoughts of their heart are injurious and destructive. He tells his readers straight out they are engaging in favoritism and this is totally wrong. In the past they have been completely oblivious to it, but now James tells them they must stop and take a good look at what they are doing. Application: How about you? Does this charge of being a “judge with evil thoughts” hold true against you? Could James point out an incident in your recent walk, where you acted as an unjust and discriminatory judge? Could he ask this same question of you? How do you view other people? Do you seek to know who they really are, or do you simply judge them by their appearance, or their race, or the way they speak, or their education, or their fashion sense, or some comment they have made, or their social status, or whatever? Really look deep inside, and test yourself and see whether or not this question must have an assumed "yes" for an answer. Next, James moves to an explanation of why showing favoritism is just plain ignorant. IV. The Ignorance of Favoritism--2:5-7 1. He begins verse five again by saying *"my beloved brethren,”* and then drawing their close attention by saying, *"Hearken"* This is an active imperative - a definite command. He is afraid his readers don't understand, so he calls them to stop for a second and really see the ignorance of favoritism. James basically says, "Look, why would you want to favor the rich or pay special attention to those of the upper social class? Don't you know God has chosen many of us poor people to be with Him in heaven? Why would you envy a rich person then? What good comes of showing favoritism?" God doesn't. God could have rejected you because you are poor, but he didn't. No, instead He chose you. You have access now to the ultimate riches in heaven. You are rich in faith, and that is what matters, not the outward appearance or accumulation of money. But that is precisely what we do. 2. We insult the poor, of whom many will be in heaven. We praise and fawn over the rich, and they are the ones who persecute us. They are the ones who try to take away what we do have. They are the ones who drag us into court and make our lives miserable. But we turn around and treat them like friends, and spit on those who are less fortunate. Why can't we see the ignorance in all this? Why don't we understand? As we look around the world, we see they are even cursing the very name of the person we claim to worship and believe in. Shouldn't that tell us something? Notice how Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 3. Paul makes it very clear how God looks upon those who are poor in this world and are despised by many around them, including other believers - *“Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”* What an amazing statement that is. How ridiculous it is for believers in the church to treat with disdain and with no respect those whom God has placed His mercy and grace and has made them spiritually rich and heirs of all that is His in His kingdom! 4. Look around you. Who is it in this world that is often hurting Christians the most? Who is it that defames the name of Jesus? It's people we often look up to and admire and want to get close to. It is TV and movie stars, celebrities, politicians, athletes, and business moguls. How many of us put up pictures of Bible characters, or missionaries, or pastors in our rooms as young people? Probably not too many. Who was it that ended up on your walls? Now remember, James doesn't want us to go the other way and hate these people. He doesn't want reverse discrimination. He doesn't want class envy. He doesn't want politically engineered programs that steal from the rich and give to the poor. What he wants, is people who simply look past all of these things. People who have their minds on the things God has His mind on. People who look inside others, not just at the outside. 5. This is the attitude of the true Christian. Impartial, non-superficial. Someone, who pays no attention to race or gender or riches or beauty. These things are all temporary. All earthly. All unimportant in God's eternal plan. Conclusion: So how about you? Are you guilty of showing favoritism? Honestly, now. Don't put your head in the sand, or plug your ears and sing happy birthday. The cure has been spelled out here by James. a. First, recognize what the problem is. See it for what it is_ favoritism, discrimination and prejudice. b. Secondly, be aware of examples. Learn from them. Learn from others' mistakes. c. Thirdly, accept the charge and seek to change your attitude and behavior, so that no one will ever look upon you as someone who shows favoritism. d. And finally, realize favoritism is based on pure ignorance. Those who are racist or prejudiced, and base their opinions on outward appearances or social status are just plain ignorant. Rise above that. Look around you at the world, and see it for what it is. Look to Jesus as your example. Look to God for wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 14:31 says, *He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoreth him hath mercy on the poor.* Where do you fit in that picture? Are you honoring or reproaching God by your attitude toward the poor or told those who are different than you? The author of Proverbs has a warning to all who will not heed God’s heart toward those who are poor. In Proverbs 21:13 he writes, *Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.* That is quite a price to pay if you ask me for not being concerned for the same people that God is concerned for!