Favoritism; what a double-edged sword to strike giver and receiver. While the carnal mind of the favored individual loves the attention, the carnal mind also hates favoring those they deem unworthy of the gift. James strikes both down by reminding us: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (vs. 8). It is extremely easy to be blinded by flashy attire and smooth words. Equally easy is to ignore the uncomely. The instance James describes is so typical: a man comes in wearing fancy jewelry and nice clothes, so give him the nice seat. The recliner in your living room, the best rocking chair on the porch or deck or a special spot at the dinner table. Yet the shabby fellow still dressed in his mechanics clothes with oil stains is practically left to fend for himself. No one offers him a drink or any notable service besides the invite. While most people reading this are probably on the “shabby fellow” state, like myself, there is a keen balance that James perceives.
The reminder to not favor the rich isn’t a license for the poor to demand compensation. Neither is the passage suggesting a heightened righteousness for being poor. The point is to dispense with binary oppositions created by the world and to remember we are brothers and sisters in Christ. That truth takes precedent over monetary possession or status. The imagery of family is extremely helpful for some individuals. Throughout the New Testament, fellow believers are referred to as “brothers” and “sisters” (Matt.). Although carnal, our biological siblings provide an example (regardless of your relationship to them). Please note: I understand not everyone has great relationships with their siblings as the years progress. However, think back on childhood days or your most fond brother or sister relationship. Would you do anything for them in a time of need? Do you love them regardless of their mistakes? Would you shut them out of your life over a disagreement? That is a carnal relationship dictated by your biological birth. Jesus and James are reminding us that the relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ should be much, much deeper and closer than anything biological. They are our spiritual brothers and sisters, adopted into the Kingdom of Heaven by our faith in Jesus death and resurrection.
While reading James, it occurred to me that James wasn’t quoting Jesus. As Christians 2000 years post-Jesus resurrection, it is easy to grant Jesus’ credit for the “golden rule” in Matthew 22:37-40. For those that believe the Old Testament God was full of wrath and the New Testament God was full of love, it is important to note and remember that both Jesus and James both quoted Leviticus 19:18. James wasn’t quoting Jesus and Jesus didn’t make that up on the spot (Matt. 22:37-40), he was quoting the Old Testament. The Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). The reason this is so fascinating for the Christian is that God’s desire for our relationship with each other and with Him has always been restoration to Himself and unity in holiness.
When speaking with the disciples, Jesus made a strong statement: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). This ties well with James message to the church. This love isn’t even referencing “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:44); Jesus is simply telling the disciples to love each other. That struggle still exists today in the church. We are still horribly selfish. While not spoken aloud, it is easy pride oneself based on material collections or self-righteous sacrifices. Both miss the mark. In Matthew 18, the disciples stumbled upon this question: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The church James addressed favored the wealthy. Those with money were held in greater regard; which is not proper. More money does not mean more holiness. Some churches promote this idea that obedience to God generates more monetary value in your life. Nothing in the Gospel suggests money is the reward for obedience to the Lord. Likewise, the disciples—and Sadducees and Pharisees of Jesus day—fell into the trap of ranking holiness through external sacrifices and religious devotion. Christ answers the disciples, saying, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3). This is a reminder to be obedient as children are obedient to their parents.
In 1 Samuel 15:22, the famous contrast between obedience and sacrifice is noted. The context is, Saul the king of Israel fought a nation but didn’t destroy everything as commanded. Samuel the judge and prophet of Israel confronted King Saul. “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry” (1 Sam. 15:22-23). There is nothing we can give that is more valuable than obedience. Sometimes it is hard to escape the feeling that God wants something from us. American marketing is littered with the idea that material stuff equals inner satisfaction. Yet, this is not true. How often does a birthday gift from an estranged parent, sibling or friend feel slightly hollow? It is a gesture of tradition but lacks meaningful significance. The relationship doesn’t exist so to “compensate” a gift is offered in its place.
A restored relationship with God and other men and women is the goal of obedience. In his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane before the crucifixion, Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). At the end of all things, it isn’t the sacrifices or the gifts that matter. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers'” (Matt. 7:21-23). It is the relationship that matters. Love and obedience identify ones standing in relation to the Lord. The Lord cannot be bought with bribes and pleasantries. Indeed, the Lord desires something so much deeper; so much more meaningful: a relationship. What a terrifying and beautiful reality! That despite my nature to spurn all goodness, He desires to see us restored in holiness and glory.
