Don't Let Partiality Taint the Glory of God

Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, was angered by an army officer who accused him of favoritism. Stanton complained to Lincoln, who suggested that Stanton write the officer a sharp letter. Stanton did, and showed the strongly worded missive to the president.

"What are you going to do with it?" Lincoln inquired. Surprised, Stanton replied, "Send it." Lincoln shook his head. "You don’t want to send that letter," he said. "Put it in the stove. That’s what I do when I have written a letter while I am angry. It’s a good letter and you had a good time writing it and feel better. Now burn it, and write another."   -Today in the Word, February, 1991, p. 9

In the first century, A.D., polarized conditions governed society; people were either rich or poor, slaves or free, Jew or Gentile, Greek or barbarian. However, part of the good news of the gospel was that in Christ Jesus social barriers lost much of their strength.

As Paul wrote to the Galatians: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) And again, in writing to the Colossians: "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11)

But, it took a while for this truth to sink into the hearts of those who were Christians; even the apostle Peter had to be told this truth through a vision and then a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 10:34-35). From the second chapter of the epistle of James, it is apparent that showing partiality was still being practiced and its sinfulness needed to be pointed out.

Because the sin of partiality is still prevalent in some forms today, let's examine James 2:1-13 and consider what James has to say on this subject. But before we begin, let's consider, first of all, exactly what is "the sin of partiality?"

As it was demonstrated  in Jame's day; we know from other scriptures that Jewish Christians often showed partiality in regards to the Gentiles. However in this epistle, the problem was one of showing partiality between the rich and poor (James 2:2-4). Partiality isn't  restricted only to those who lived during this time.We can also be guilty of partiality today! How?

1. By showing partiality between rich and poor. For example, giving preferential treatment to visitors at our gatherings based upon their apparel. Or showing hospitality towards our rich friends, while ignoring those who are poor (sometimes, it is the poor who despise the rich);
2. By showing partiality between people of different races (again, this can easily go both ways); and
3. Even by showing partiality between friends or people at church.

Sadly, the sin of partiality (i.e., being biased, prejudiced, racist) is probably just as prevalent if not more so than it was in the days when James wrote his epistle! This makes the words of James very relevant and worthy of our consideration.

Let's take a closer look at why Christians can't show partiality. To begin with, Jesus Christ is a "glorious" Lord! (James 2:1) It is possible that this point was being implied by James in using his appellation of Jesus to introduce the subject. So, what does our partiality have to do with the Lord of glory?

As Christians, we profess to be Christ's disciples, or followers, whose goal is to imitate Him (Luke 6:40). As such, our actions are likely to be considered by others as a reflection of what Christ teaches. 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!

Once the glory of the Lord becomes tainted by our partiality, we can become judges with evil thoughts (James 2:4). God has always hated unjust judges. Jesus Himself warned about: the dangers of judging  (Mathew 7:1); the need to make righteous judgment (John 7:24); and that if we judge against the poor due to our prejudice against them, we will find ourselves fighting against God! (Psalms 109:31)

Our own partiality can cause us to despise those whom God has honored (James 2:5). Both then and today God has chosen to honor the poor. In fact, the gospel was proclaimed to the poor (Luke 7:22). The majority of those who responded were from among the poor (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Both then and today God has chosen to honor all men (Acts 10:34-35).

Therefore, when we show partiality because of a person's race...or because they are a stranger we do not know...then we despise those whom God has honored by His offering to them salvation through the gospel! Do we want to face God on the Day of Judgment guilty of such a crime?

Additionally, showing partiality might cause us to honor those most capable and likely of oppressing us (James 2:6-7). After all, the rich were doing this to the Christians in James' day. Who are the ones most likely to oppress Christians today if it ever came down to "push and shove?" Those who have the resources to do so, and most likely that would be the "majority" and the "affluent."

Also, our partiality may cause us to break "the royal law," which is "You shall love your neighbor as your self." (James 2:8-11) This is one of the most fundamental laws that God has ever given! It was proclaimed by Christ (Matthew 22:36-40); and taught by Paul (Romans 13:8-10). And, as emphasized by James; by breaking one law, we become guilty of all the Law!
       
Finally, in view of all these things, we can understand why James would say: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons." (James 2:1) We can also better understand Peter's reasoning why he had to accept the Gentiles: "Forasmuch, then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:17)

So, dear friends, remember that we serve a glorious Lord, and we serve to do things to His glory. May we never allow the sin of partiality, bias, prejudice, or racism to taint that wonderful glory in any way!

Scripture: James 2:9; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Deuteronomy 10:17; Ephesians 6:9

Prayer: I pray Lord that you will strengthen me not to show favoritism in my interactions with others. Strengthen me to treat people the same, no matter what their station in life. Let it not be said of me that I have discriminated against another or that I have become a judge with evil thoughts. I pray all these things in Jesus Christ's Name. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Arianna