Timeless Truths. Right Living 102

There is a right way to live.

While it might be painful, it really isn't difficult.

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? 

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God 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? But you have dishonored the poor. 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 blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? 

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.

James 2:1-9

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

James 5:1-6

James 1 talks about multiplication. Chapter 2 is about division.

We are comfortable with “people like us.”

Because of that, too often the church is more divided than united.

Ways to Divide

Resources/Things.

We tend to hoard things.

That’s not a new phenomenon—see the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22 & Mark 10:17-27)

Money can’t buy anything in God’s Kingdom.

WEALTH SHOULD NOT DIVIDE. Don’t prefer/favor the rich.

Age: Physical and Spiritual.

Discriminating against the young or old isn’t Scriptural.

Both the young—the boy with the lunch Jesus used to feed 5000 people (John 6:8-9)—and the old—the Old Testament prophets—have important parts in God’s Kingdom.

Race.

Sunday is the most segregated day of the week in most places.

Race should not be a point of division. Acts 2 is a prime example.

Gender.

Women are underrepresented in the pulpit.

Women are underrepresented on most church boards.

James wants none of this to divide.

We are all created in God’s image.

God chose to die for each of us as individuals.

God also calls us ALL to His [communion] table. (James 2:3)

Thanks to Dr. Scott Peterson for the basic teachings in this post.

Next Timeless Truths: Right Living 103

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