I think I have read the second chapter of the Epistle of James many times, especially during and since my mission. One of the most popular quotes from this chapter is that faith without works is dead. However, for me two weeks ago, reading this chapter once again opened my eyes to something new, some further insight into the inspired mind of an apostle of God.
James, in the second verse, begins his dichotomous lecture, comparing a rich man and a poor man. He then goes on to show that we have a tendency to prejudge people on their outward appearance. We give the best chair to the best dressed, so to speak.
Further, James reminds us that God has saved the poor for His special purposes and as His special heirs; that we are responsible for loving all our neighbours. A powerful lesson in itself, James’ comparison holds not only so much more, but holds so much applicable in our day in so many ways.
Have you ever walked down the street, just fresh from family prayer where you asked for a missionary experience? On this walk, have you ever passed a sloppy man with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth; a scantily-clad woman; a loud-mouthed, music-playing teenager? Did you see spiritually goodly apparel or a spiritually vile garment?
Have you ever gone to a house of a newly assigned family only to have someone bark obscenities in your face and then slam the door? Did you think you wanted this person in your best chair or under your footstool?
It is so easy to be caught up in our earthy experience that we forget our spiritual experience; so easy to neglect the balance that should exist between temporal and eternal; so easy to act out the natural man and not act like the Saviour; so easy to bypass asking ourselves, “What would Jesus do?”
Each person is of great worth to God; each his child. We have a responsibility to treat all equally. We love the hateful, serve the selfish and hope for the hopeless. We accept equally all visiting assignments from our leaders; both those who come to church and those who do not; those who answer our calls and those who do not; those who love us and those who do not.
Let us each strive to improve ourselves in these things.
