THE SIN OF FAVORITISM

Newsletter 220 November 21, 2010

James 2:1-13 (King James Version)

FAVORITISM EXISTS AMONG ALL

LIKE FAVORS LIKE

I remember as a small boy, that my mother ordered two hundred baby chicks from a hatchery every spring. Though the order was for a sexed lot, that is they were all supposed to be female, and of the same breed and color. There would be a few males among them, that was accepted, but if there was even one of another color, we knew that it would be pecked to death by the others unless it was protected. Even among day old chicks, like favors like.

This is often true among children at play. The child that is thinner, or more plump, or in any other way different, is often singled out for exclusion. I remember that being five years younger than my brother there was a time that I was the odd one out. When we both became adults, that was no longer true.

In South Africa, one of the first things we noticed in the African churches, was that there was a similar reaction among the Christians. Tribal origin, culture and language, education, wealth, clothing, and even a lowly brief case, made all the difference. Teachers and ministers carried brief cases. Church leaders wore suits and sat in the front seats. Men sat to one side and women to the other, and age and level of education made all the difference. Children often sat on the cold concrete floor or perhaps on a blanket.

The people soon noted that I sat with my wife and that I treated everyone the same; ministers, elders, other members. Probably, what we did, was more important than what we said. As missionaries, we were made examples, whether we knew it or not at the time, but the important point is that this is the way all Christians are to be toward one another and toward others who happen to be nonbelievers..

ALL PERSONS ARE EQUALLY SPECIAL IN GOD’S SIGHT

1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (James 1:16, Hebrews 12:2. Acts 7:2, 1 Corinthians 2:8, Acts 10:34, James 2:9)

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (Luke 23:11, James 2:3)

James makes mention of gold rings. They sometimes wore rings on all but the middle finger, though they were not always gold. I recently read that there was even the practice of hiring rings and garments for special occasions as we might hire a tuxedo or graduation robe. I have always had to hire for all such occasions. I don’t have such clothing, though I do reserve my best, “gently used” garments. to meet with my Lord at His Table on His day. He is after all, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and He deserves our best. All praise to him, he provided, and it is also he who will provide the wedding garments for the marriage feast of Christ and his bride, the church.

3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (Luke 23:11)

The “gay” clothing is in reference to the color and detail, as for example, the special garments worn by Aaron (Exodus 39) in his official position as the High Priest. God does not bless opulent show in any form for the sake of attaining special privileges. God blessed the priesthood as a set apart people, but Jesus did not. He, the Son of God, dressed appropriately. All Christians are called apart and called in the Bible, “saints.”

Physical clothing, homes and cars do not make the man.

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (Luke 18:6, John 7:24)

FAITH IS NOT ACQUIRED WITH WEALTH

The poorest of the poor, can have great faith, and the wealthiest man can be a Spiritual pauper. He just does not realize it.

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren. 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? (James 1:16, Job 34:19, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Luke 12:21, Revelation 2:9, Matthew 5:3, Matthew 25:34, James 1:32)

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (Acts 8:3, Acts 16:19)

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (Acts 11:26, 1 Peter 4:16)

8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (Matthew 7:12, Leviticus 19:18)

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (Acts 10:34, James 2:1

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 3:2, 2 Peter 1:10, Jude 24)

11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:16, Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17)

12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.(James 1:25)

13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 5:7, Matthew 13:32-35,Luke 6:37)

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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
NOVEMBER

21st. Sunday – Ezekiel 37, 38, James 4, Psalm 130
22nd. Monday – Ezekiel 39 – 40:1-31, James 5 , Psalm 131
23rd. Tuesday – Ezekiel 40:32- 41:1-26, 1 Peter 1, Psalm 132
24 th. Wednesday-- Ezekiel 42, 43, 1 Peter 2, Proverbs 28:15-38
25 th. Thursday - Ezekiel 44, 45, 1 Peter 3, Psalm 133
26 th. Friday – Ezekiel 46, 47, 1 Peter 4, Psalm 134
27th. Saturday-- Ezekiel 48, 1 Peter 5, Psalm 135:1-12

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 13:2 (King James Version)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
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I Wonder...
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are going dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?