James 2:1-4

“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 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?”

Do you ever rank people in terms of importance? Some because of what they can do for you…others in terms of how they make you feel…and still others because they are well known or popular or a celebrity. God’s Word makes it abundantly clear: we must not show favoritism.

There is an old saying that says the ground is level at the foot of the cross. Every human being has a sin problem. Every human being is in need of a Savior. Every human being has worth in the eyes of God. There are multiple stories in the Bible where favoritism is exposed and condemned, but perhaps the most famous is Jacob’s favoritism of Joseph. Not only was Jacob in sin, but it also put a stumbling block in front of every one of his children…with deadly results.

The next few days will deal with the subject of favoritism, be it in the home, at work, at school, or even in church. Identify where you are applying it, and get ready to root it out. It is something none of us should engage in.