Word@Work James17 - James 2:8-9
Published: Wed, 03/04/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
EQUALITY IS IN THE HEART
James 2:8-9 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbour as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as law-breakers. (NIV)
What is the difference between right and wrong? Clearly, they are opposites but how are they defined? Who has the right to say what is right and wrong? These have become big questions in our multicultural world. The answer is Jesus, because all power and authority has been given to Him (cf Matt 28:18). He is the King and Judge. He sets the rules and we are accountable to Him for how we obey them. James knew that Jesus had affirmed God's Word through Moses (cf Lev 19:18), and saw 'Love your neighbour' as a Kings' command. It is second only to the command to love God wholeheartedly (cf Matt 22:37-40).
On the other hand, favouritism demands that we love those who can bring advantage to us, while ignoring those who need our help. In the context of this passage, the rich were favoured because of what they might give, and the poor were shunned because they could be a burden on society. But this is a very long way from the royal law. Those who discriminated in favour of the rich had violated the law given through Moses, and the instruction of King Jesus, who is also the Judge!
James knew that Jesus did not just talk about this radical lifestyle, He lived it! However most Christians have not been brought up to think like that. A change is needed: but before our behaviour changes, our hearts must be transformed (cf Rom 12:1-2). We need God to help us with that, and often the first step is to admit our sin/weakness/failing in this area and tell the Lord that we do not know how to live differently; and then ask Him to show us. If you have other Christians at work, why not discuss this with them and agree to pray for each other to change. It could also be a good topic (based on James 2:1-13) for a Christian Fellowship meeting at work. So why not make a decision to do something about it?
Prayer: Dear Lord God. I need to be like You in my attitude to the poor and underprivileged, but I do not know how to change or what to do. I am willing for you to teach me, please show me what I need to do and change my heart so that I may want to do it. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
What is the difference between right and wrong? Clearly, they are opposites but how are they defined? Who has the right to say what is right and wrong? These have become big questions in our multicultural world. The answer is Jesus, because all power and authority has been given to Him (cf Matt 28:18). He is the King and Judge. He sets the rules and we are accountable to Him for how we obey them. James knew that Jesus had affirmed God's Word through Moses (cf Lev 19:18), and saw 'Love your neighbour' as a Kings' command. It is second only to the command to love God wholeheartedly (cf Matt 22:37-40).
On the other hand, favouritism demands that we love those who can bring advantage to us, while ignoring those who need our help. In the context of this passage, the rich were favoured because of what they might give, and the poor were shunned because they could be a burden on society. But this is a very long way from the royal law. Those who discriminated in favour of the rich had violated the law given through Moses, and the instruction of King Jesus, who is also the Judge!
James knew that Jesus did not just talk about this radical lifestyle, He lived it! However most Christians have not been brought up to think like that. A change is needed: but before our behaviour changes, our hearts must be transformed (cf Rom 12:1-2). We need God to help us with that, and often the first step is to admit our sin/weakness/failing in this area and tell the Lord that we do not know how to live differently; and then ask Him to show us. If you have other Christians at work, why not discuss this with them and agree to pray for each other to change. It could also be a good topic (based on James 2:1-13) for a Christian Fellowship meeting at work. So why not make a decision to do something about it?
Prayer: Dear Lord God. I need to be like You in my attitude to the poor and underprivileged, but I do not know how to change or what to do. I am willing for you to teach me, please show me what I need to do and change my heart so that I may want to do it. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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