Favouritism: A Contradiction in Christian Living
- Scott Bullerwell
- Nov 1
- 13 min read
A little boy was outside in the backyard playing when his pastor came by for a visit, but he never saw him. Moments later though, the little fella came running in through the back door dangling a mouse by the tail. "Look Ma,” he said. “Look what I got! I got a mouse. I wacked it with a piece of wood and then I banged its head up against the steps, and then I gave it a good kick" And then at that point the youngster saw the pastor, and he said, "And then the Lord called him home!"
The little boy was doing, innocently, what some Christians do quite seriously -- using religious words. But in standing there in the living room, swinging a dead mouse by the tail, you wonder if he really understood the meaning of his words. I suspect he did not.
My recent reading of the Book of James, and the wisdom he directs to “My brothers and sisters” (2:1), brought the illustration into focus for me ... because I wonder if adults really understand not only the meaning of their words, like that little boy – but the meaning of their actions as well. Actions, after all, are certainly what James has in mind and his sharp, dagger-like words in chapter 2, might even have some wrongly concluding that "He has gone from preaching to meddling.” If you genuinely feel that way, it is likely your conscience at work – a good thing, seems to me.
Lutherans typically do not like the Book of James.
That is because Martin Luther, the driving force
behind the Protestant Reformation (1517-1648)
did not like the Book of James.
In Martin Luther’s Commentary (1522 AD), five years after posting his 95 theses and almost two years after he was excommunicated by Pope Leo X (January 3, 1521) ... in his ‘Preface to the New Testament,’ Luther speaks briefly about the Book of James.
“Therefore St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw, compared to these others, for it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it.”
Whoa! Luther’s point seems to be that, in his view, James’ message lacked the substance and authority of the other books — making it easily consumed by fire. Indeed, Luther did not like James because (a) Christ is not emphasized, mentioned a mere two times in five chapters or 108 verses, (b) “in all its teaching it does not once mention the Passion, the Resurrection, or the Spirit of Christ,” [Luther’s words], and (c) because of the book’s emphasis are on works.
Quite frankly, Martin Luther was dead wrong about the Book of James ... and as best as I can figure out, he never did change his opinion. Read for yourself:
"Many have tried hard to make James agree with Paul, as also Melanchthon did in his Apology, but not seriously. These I do not harmonize: Faith justifies, and faith does not justify. To him who can make these two agree 1 will give my doctor's cap and I am willing to be called a fool." (Dated 1532)
"Only the Popists accept James on account of the righteousness by works, but my opinion is that it is not the writing of an apostle, especially because it calls faith body and the works, soul. This is apparently absurd and against Scripture. Some day I will use James to fire my stove.” (Dated 1540)
Years later another heavy-weight of the Reformation, John Calvin (also John Tyndale) would wade in and set the record straight. Speaking of James, Calvin wrote: “It is indeed full of instruction on various subjects, the benefit of which extends to every part of the Christian life.” I’m with Calvin!
The plank of prejudice, favouritism can be so
well camouflaged that we might not even recognize
it until someone like James plucks it right from
between our ‘Christian’ eyes.
The Book of James may not be very Lutheran, for Lutherans, but it is totally relevant for the Lutheran church ... the Anglican church ... the Baptist church ... and, I might add, the Pentecostal church as well. Consider:
“Practice what you preach,” says James;
“Let there be reality in your faith,” he shouts;
“Think of the world in an entirely different way,” he chimes;
“Think like a real Christian,” James admonishes.
Even Luther, when he wrote his Preface to the Book of James, felt compelled to confess: “I cannot put it among the chief books though I would not thereby prevent anyone from putting it where he pleases; for there are many good sayings in it.” I can almost see God twisting Luther’s arm behind his back ... to make him say “Uncle”.
“Good sayings,” indeed. And to drive these ideas home, there are 54 imperatives in those 108 verses; more than in any other epistle. These imperatives admonish us to “listen ... take note ... don’t be deceived ... show me ... speak and act ... submit ... resist ... come near to God” ... and, the focus of this article — “Don’t show favouritism” (2:1).
“My brothers .... Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (2:1-4).
There are two things in life we are in total control over,
our attitude and our effort.
Now, whether the illustration James uses here is something he personally witnessed, I do not know. What is noticeable however is that with love and humility, he does address the people as “my brothers” (v. 1) – a phrase he will use 15 times. No skirting the issue here – Christians need to guard against playing favourites – and I do not think he has your children in mind. I find the phrase “my brothers” interesting for at least 2 reasons:
1st –James sees himself as a fellow believer, even though he could have rightfully elevated his status and said, “Hello Folks, my name is ...”
James the Just
James of Jerusalem
James, the first bishop of the church in Jerusalem.
James, the primary leader of the earliest congregation in Jerusalem
James, the younger brother of Jesus.
2nd – James sees himself speaking to fellow believers. So, here is an unpleasant truth — Christ’s disciples are capable of practicing what is forbidden, namely showing favouritism ... giving preferential treatment ... regarding one more highly than another.
James says, a man comes into the synagogue meeting (Sounds like the beginning of a joke!) and he is wearing a gold ring, a fine Armani suit, a silk shirt and tie ... an expensive Gucci watch and alligator shoes that are still snapping. A poor man dressed in shabby clothes come in right behind him. He looks like a loser ... walks like a loser ... even smells like a loser.
You know the story: the guy wearing fine clothes is given special attention: “Welcome sir! I’ve picked out the best seat in the house for you.” And the poor man? "Hey Bubba, you can stand there ..." or "sit on the floor by my feet". Evidently these two people are strangers – otherwise they would not have been directed to their places. It is then that James asks THE question ... the one that uncovers the thin religious veneer that is possible even within a believing community: “Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (v. 4).
“I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and
the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism”
Paul’s command to Timothy (1 Timothy 5:21)
“Haven’t you discriminated?” James asks. In our hearts, we already know the answer, and clearly the question is rhetorical. It assumes a positive response. In whichever language, we prefer, the right answer is “Oui ... Si ... Ja ... Tak ... Da ... Ano ... Sim ... Evet ... YES.” On the surface the illustration seems to be about the treatment of rich people versus poor people, but actually, the illustration has a much deeper application, and here it is: Partiality is a Subtle Sin ... and it can rear its ugly head in the most unexpected places ... including the Christian church.
... when we send out invitations to our child’s birthday party;
... when we open our home for hospitality;
... when we stop to chat with someone in the foyer of the church;
... when ignoring misconduct;
... when unequally distributing desirable tasks or assigning opportunities based on ‘connections’ rather then their gifts or needs;
... and when a district officer chooses not to circulate a pastor’s name as a potential candidate for a pastoral vacancy in another assembly.
And ... when favoritism invades the church, well, it’s just plain wrong, says James, the brother of Jesus. When bias, prejudice or preferential treatment define the gospel, it is patently unacceptable ... and he gives us three (3) solid biblical reasons as to why. So, let’s hear James out, as he talks about us!
Favouritism is Wrong Theologically (vv. 5-6a)
Abraham Lincoln once said. “God must love the common people because He made so many of them.” I think that is what James is getting at here – because the early Church was certainly not made up primarily from the wealthy class – but the poor.
“Listen my dear brothers. Has God not chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (v. 5)
Again, the question is rhetorical because the concept of election was deeply rooted in Jewish and Christian thought. The Church knew very well that God had chosen the poor (Deuteronomy 16:3; 26:7; Luke 6:20).
The Scriptures are not some sort of Rorschach blot ...
where its meaning depends on us. We cannot dodge the uncomfortable ‘truth’ James targets: ‘We prove our faith
by the way we treat others.’
When a person practices favouritism, they fail to take into account the facts of the situation. Those who in the judgment of the world are considered ‘poor’ - have been chosen by God to be rich in faith (v. 5). Now, I could be wrong, but I have a hunch that James is thinking about the 1st beatitude in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Exactly why are the poor in spirit blessed? Well, it’s because when they come face to face with Christ, they understand how spiritually bankrupt they really are; they realize their emptiness apart from God.
Therefore, favouritism is wrong theologically says James, because the poor have been made inheritors of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love him ... and this theme is found in a multitude of scriptural places, like Deuteronomy 7:7-8 and Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:18-20.
Have you ever felt judged? Having known the pain,
why then would we judge someone else? Ouch!
Yes, it is a challenge for most of us – admit it!
The world sees only the poverty of the poor; God sees their exalted state (Galatians
4:3-7).
The world sees only the apparent lack of the poor; God sees the exercise of His good pleasure to give them the Kingdom (Luke 12:32).
The world sees only the appearance of the poor; God sees their inherited future – rich with the only wealth that God considers of any significance (I Peter 1:4).
Therefore, in light of what God is doing in His redeeming plan, it would be theologically wrong for us to choose whom we will love, recognize, prefer or show partiality – for it is incongruent with God’s character.
Favouritism is Wrong Logically (vv. 6b-7)
“Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?”
James reminds us that often it is the rich who persecute Christians … “so why would you cater to the rich when they use their money against you? Your logic makes no sense.” There are clear examples of this in Luke’s Book of Acts.
Acts 4:1-3 The rich Sadducees were unhappy with the apostles because they were preaching about Jesus ... and so they “seized Peter and John.”
Acts 13:50 At Pisidian Antioch the influential were stirred up to persecute Paul and Barnabas – and the apostles were ‘expelled’ from the region.
Acts 16:19 At Philippi, the wealthy owners of a girl who had the spirit of divination “seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities” in court.
Acts 19:23-41 There was an uproar at Ephesus because Christianity was leading to a decline in profits in certain industries. “Soon the whole city was in an uproar” (v. 29).
Two apples up in a tree were looking down on the world. The first apple said, "Look at all those people fighting, robbing, rioting -- Someday we apples will be the only ones left. Then we'll rule the world” The second apple thought for a moment and replied,
"Which of us -- the reds or the greens?"
Preferential treatment (or whichever name you prefer) is a terrible thing ... and James offers a word of caution for believers to be on guard against it. Watch your motives! Beware of giving partiality to the influential, for a good many of them would ultimately persecute you for your Christian faith. Logically, favouritism is wrong.
Favouritism is Wrong Scripturally (vv. 8-9)
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”
Most of us know, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” After all, it is one of the most fundamental laws that God has ever given. James calls it the “Royal Law” and he is quoting it from Leviticus 19:18. Did you know that it is the most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament - nine times? Here are a few examples, to refresh our memories:
Matthew 22:37 Jesus is nearing the end of his ministry and some are looking to challenge his authority. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment?"
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
John 13:34 Jesus says to his disciples, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
In Romans 13:8 Paul writes, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law... Love your neighbor as yourself." He would repeat similar words later in Galatians 5.
Want to deny your faith? You do not have to renounce your membership or join the local atheist club. Nah! Merely show favoritism towards some and bias towards others – for this is a fundamental denial of the gospel.
Anyone remember the T.V. program, ‘Extreme Makeover?’ You could send your mother, father, even your uncle, to get ‘fixed up,’ right? Walk into a Canadian Shopper’s Drug Mart or Sephora — and you will find yourself swimming down a bank of aisles flowing with makeup, fragrance, body care and more. So, imagine if your mother looked at you one day and said, "Whoa you’re ugly. Let me send you to Sephora for a refit.” Yah, I know - most moms would never vandalize a child’s self-esteem like that.
Well, in spiritual terms, the royal law, the law of love ... operates differently; it looks beyond the external appearances ... the clothes we wear ... the colour of our skin ... or our station in life. In fact, James says that if we show favouritism we sin, become lawbreakers and we are as guilty as if we committed adultery or murder (2:11).
Of course, there are appropriate distinctions, like offering an appropriate or convenient place in the church for someone elderly or in a wheelchair, or showing polite respect to those, whom God has placed in authority, whether our Prime Minister or Mayor. James is not pushing some sort of radical egalitarianism that wipes out ALL social distinctions. If we think this, we are mis-reading James ... for earlier he does speak of those with “evil thoughts” (2:4).
Did you know (I did not) that there is a Guinness World Record for the most knives thrown at a human target in a limited window of time? Drop by the museum in Niagara Falls, Ontario and have a look for yourself. Jayde Hanson, was one such ‘athlete’. Seems his story made the news when he was trying to break his record – of 120, 12-inch knives thrown at 60 mph in the space of 2 minutes — all around his assistant’s body. This time though, Hanson nicked her head. Listen to what “The Great Exacto,” (my name for him), said: “I suppose in ten years, I've only hit her five times.” Really? I’m thinking– ‘Who makes a career of someone throwing knives at you – for a full two minutes – gets hit ... and is still around?’ You would have to have more faith than the Pope!
Well, James says to us, “Even if you throw 119, 12-inch knives correctly – but miss on just one of them – none of it matters.” Yup, break one little law (“stumbles at just one point”) ... you have broken everything
An Oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines
two normally contradictory terms - like ‘open secret, jumbo shrimp, boneless ribs, paid volunteer, freezer burn, artificial grass.’ Well, "Christian snob"
should be an oxymoron too.
From my perspective, we can love someone without agreeing with their point of view. I do not have to like their vocabulary ... their politics ... their habits ... or the way they strut through life. Nowhere in Scripture do I ever read that we are to strive for uniformity – in spite of what silly, cancel-culture jihadists ‘demand’. This is good news! And ... BTW – disagreement among believers is not ‘proof’ there is no God, as non-believers would have us think.
When God remakes us, is there no room for prejudice, favouritism, racism, partiality or snobbery? And those Christians who would discriminate against others show themselves to not be on the side of God. Not at all! Instead, they are lawbreakers AND in danger of judgment for their unmerciful actions. Sorry – but there is no wiggle room!
I think James, along with his brother Jesus, is challenging the Church to guard against favouritism, partiality, class-distinction, or discrimination, like the person married several times ... the one struggling with a mental health issue ... the young lady with a child yet not married ... the church-influence peddler ... the street corner guy looking for spare change ... even the con-artist who routinely visits churches looking for a financial payout, after detailing one of their many practiced stories.
No Distinctions! Whether rich over poor ... powerful over vulnerable ... or insider over outsider ... no sizing people up! The church is designed to include everyone! Therefore, it makes no sense theologically, logically or scripturally, says James. So, ‘How Then Shall We Live?’ I think we know the answer. Thankfully, Luther never threw little Jimmy into the stove ... but I do wish I could speak with him about this “Epistle of straw.” You know – face-to-face. Protestant-to-Protestant. “OnlySaying...”
Comments