Devotional: Favoritism: James 2:1-13

My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism” (Jas. 2:1, NASB).

The midterm elections are upon us. Election Day is Tuesday November 6, 2018. In Tennessee and some other states people are already casting early ballots. I have been noticing that in the campaign ads seen on television candidates are accusing each other of showing favoritism to one group or another. One candidate accuses the other of being partial to some groups. The point of these ads is that it is wrong to show partiality to one group at the expense of other equally deserving groups.

This showing of favoritism is addressed in the bible. James writes “to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad” (Jas. 1:1, NASB). He warns against showing favoritism. They are not to be partial to one person over another. When we show favoritism, we are making ourselves judges, and we likely have evil motives (v. 4). The downside of our judging is that we judge people instead of allowing God to judge. God does not choose the rich over the poor. Rather, God chooses all people on the basis of faith.

Christians sometimes show favoritism to those that blaspheme the name of Jesus (v. 7). James writes this command: He says, “If however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ you are doing well” (2: 8, NASB).

When we go to the polls to cast our ballots, may we be mindful not to be show favoritism for our own selfish reasons that benefit us at the expense of others. Instead, let us be reminded to treat others according to the royal law.

Prayer: Father, we thank you for the privilege and responsibility of voting in a free society. May we vote not being partial but according to the command to love our neighbor. Amen.