Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" James 2:1, 5
I think the bottom line on this is that to God our outward circumstances do not make us more or less worthy of his mercy, grace and forgiveness. Romans 3:10-12 reminds us "As it is written, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no who does good, not even one."" In God's eyes everyone, regardless of your social standing is unworthy.
Yet, Christ died for us all, rich or poor. Paul says in Colossians 3:11, "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." The love of God, the forgiveness offered in Christ, is for anyone who will accept it, regardless of their position or circumstances.
Favoritism can come in many different ways. But, what James was dealing with was the intentional favoritism (what I might crudely call "butt-kissing") toward people of wealth and status. The pathetic thing was that these people were exploiting them! I think the crux of the matter involves faith, as in who or what are you trusting. If you look to the world and its' system of dominance built to make you trust in anything but God, you will always be in bondage. But, if you trust in Christ and view the world from his perspective, you will inherit the kingdom of God.
James was concerned that this very worldly manner of living was creeping into the church and people were making choices in an ungodly way. In this respect I think James' message is timeless and therefore relevant to you and me, even today. Trust God, not people and treat everyone, regardless of their outward appearance and social status the same, God does.
Father, help us to see each other through your eyes. Praise be to you in us today!
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