Servants & Patrons X

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?

 - From James 2

So, the whole point of my "Servants & Patrons" series is that, since we all don't are to serve others, let us at least support them that do.

James talks about not showing favoritism, in this case, to people with the trappings of wealth. 

The current crisis of American society is that we all show too much favoritism, and it's about something even more superficial than apparent wealth:

Our favoritism is based on someone's political views. And we've begun to divide our political selves, based on moral and ethical standards, which vary from person to person. At the start of my life, people with vices, like smoking, and excessive drinking, would at least be welcomed into the fold - into churches, into families. We put up with each other.

But now, we're so judgmental. Everybody gets a label. And if the label is not ours, we withhold our favor from them. We boycott them. We shun them. What if you're a pure Democrat that finds out a local restaurant is owned by a devoted Conservative? And then, what if you lead a boycott that ruins his business? Do you know how many people are dependant upon that job, or that business thriving? What if Democrats, of modest means, are linked to the success of that business?

When a business goes down, an entire supply chain is affected. Buyers, suppliers, stores on the same block, a local economy, may all go down with it. 

Favoritism is not favored in Scripture. And since God practices unconditional love, we can conclude that he means your favoritism should not be conditional. 

Stop being so analytical! Stop having so many logical reasons why you are rude to this or that person! Stop making excuses for hating someone! What?! Someone is lacking in certain "human" traits? How do you know? Who made you the arbiter and judge?

Love unconditionally! That person you do not want to think highly of? Forget it! 

Be the light in the darkness. 

Look about you. Who needs help? Who needs affirming? Who is suffering? Who is marginalized?

Doesn't matter why. Your politics pale in comparison to the real human needs around you. 

Whatever is making you choose one person over another has got to be jettisoned from your attitude. 

Serve others. Support servants. 

Next Series: Show Up!