Unifying Factor #3 – We make terrible judgments (v. 5-7)
In this intricate web of unity and favoritism, James doesn’t merely rest on revealing our shared heart condition. He takes a bolder step by presenting our third unifying factor – the fact that we are all prone to making terrible judgments. In verses 5-7, he skillfully shines a light on the shortcomings in our thinking.
“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?” James 2:5-7
Let’s Be Honest
Think back to a time when you made a decision that made you question your own rationality. Those instances when you thought you had struck gold but ended up spending more than you ever anticipated. Whether it’s a DIY project that goes awry or a financial investment that tanks, these experiences remind us of our capacity to make misguided choices.
James thrusts us deeper into this discussion by contrasting God’s discernment with our own hasty judgments. He doesn’t shy away from stating that God does make choices and distinctions. However, God’s criteria are galaxies apart from our faulty assessments. James juxtaposes God’s perspective with our human impulses, showing the stark difference in priorities. He points out that God’s preference isn’t based on the same parameters that our favoritism rests upon. And intriguingly, the recipients of the church’s favoritism are the very ones who hold the power to drag them into legal battles and sully the reputation of their faith community.
Admit It
In our pursuit of misguided judgments and misguided distinctions, we often find ourselves in a maze of foolish decisions. These misjudgments lead us to a place of confusion and wasted efforts. When we let our impulses guide our judgments, we are essentially relinquishing the wisdom and discernment that Christ’s teachings offer us. So can’t we be honest and admit that we don’t understand everything there is to know about life? Can’t we admit that, more often than not, our initial judgment of other people is just flat out wrong? There is not one person in the world who can’t identify with this. Compared to God, we make for terrible judges.
As we wrap up this section, it’s evident that our collective tendency to make erroneous judgments threads us together in a different way. Our shared propensity for skewed perceptions emphasizes our need for humility. By acknowledging our limitations in judgment, we open ourselves to the transformative work of Christ’s love and grace. By recognizing the folly of our human judgments and embracing God’s wisdom, we pave the way for authentic unity. When we stop judging according to the flesh and instead view each other as new creations in Christ, we align ourselves with God’s heart. Our flawed judgments dissolve in the face of His grace, allowing us to truly embody the Kingdom of God.
