Word@Work James18 - James 2:10-11
Published: Thu, 03/05/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
James 2:10-11 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a law-breaker. (NIV)
Religion, of whatever flavour, often thinks of varying degrees of right and wrong. Sins may be categorised as either significant or trivial, and even lies can be called 'white' or 'black' depending on their supposed effect on others. But the Bible does not teach that kind of religious thinking. Quite the opposite. Either we love the Lord our God wholeheartedly or we do not: our thoughts, words and deeds are either right or wrong ... there are no shades of grey. This is profoundly disappointing for those religionists who like to aim for a 75-85% 'pass mark' - because only 100%, all the time, is good enough for God (cf Hab 1:13a). That is why we need to receive the grace of God by trusting in Jesus who died on the cross for all of our sins. You can see the full story at www.crosscheck.org.uk.
James is trying to convince his readers that favouritism is not trivial - it is sin; it is as offensive to God as adultery or murder. To treat other people as inferior, simply because they do not have money (or the class or culture which comes with privilege), is wickedness in God's eyes (cf James 2:3-4). It is not a little problem to Him, because it shows that we do not understand or appreciate the largeness of His grace or mercy. It reeks of ingratitude, and the arrogance that comes with the self-made person.
Some think that Christianity should be kept for private devotions or for church. But the workplace needs this teaching; especially in a recession when businesses often win or lose because of quality of service. Those who care about all their workforce and customers equally, will do better than those who think that the 'small fry' don't matter. Those who treat people in the Jesus way, will find that they acquire employee and customer loyalty. However, true Christians do not modify their behaviour simply for short term gain; their lifestyle is an integral part of their faith, and looks to an eternal reward. Even if there is no immediate benefit, we should abandon favouritism as a business practice, because God says it is wrong.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for not ignoring me when You sent Jesus to earth to die on the cross for my sins. I am grateful to You, and do not want to offend You by choosing favourites and rejecting others. Please help me to treat people like Jesus did, for their blessing, out of obedience and thankfulness to You, for all You have done for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Religion, of whatever flavour, often thinks of varying degrees of right and wrong. Sins may be categorised as either significant or trivial, and even lies can be called 'white' or 'black' depending on their supposed effect on others. But the Bible does not teach that kind of religious thinking. Quite the opposite. Either we love the Lord our God wholeheartedly or we do not: our thoughts, words and deeds are either right or wrong ... there are no shades of grey. This is profoundly disappointing for those religionists who like to aim for a 75-85% 'pass mark' - because only 100%, all the time, is good enough for God (cf Hab 1:13a). That is why we need to receive the grace of God by trusting in Jesus who died on the cross for all of our sins. You can see the full story at www.crosscheck.org.uk.
James is trying to convince his readers that favouritism is not trivial - it is sin; it is as offensive to God as adultery or murder. To treat other people as inferior, simply because they do not have money (or the class or culture which comes with privilege), is wickedness in God's eyes (cf James 2:3-4). It is not a little problem to Him, because it shows that we do not understand or appreciate the largeness of His grace or mercy. It reeks of ingratitude, and the arrogance that comes with the self-made person.
Some think that Christianity should be kept for private devotions or for church. But the workplace needs this teaching; especially in a recession when businesses often win or lose because of quality of service. Those who care about all their workforce and customers equally, will do better than those who think that the 'small fry' don't matter. Those who treat people in the Jesus way, will find that they acquire employee and customer loyalty. However, true Christians do not modify their behaviour simply for short term gain; their lifestyle is an integral part of their faith, and looks to an eternal reward. Even if there is no immediate benefit, we should abandon favouritism as a business practice, because God says it is wrong.
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for not ignoring me when You sent Jesus to earth to die on the cross for my sins. I am grateful to You, and do not want to offend You by choosing favourites and rejecting others. Please help me to treat people like Jesus did, for their blessing, out of obedience and thankfulness to You, for all You have done for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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