Unifying Factor #2 – We have corrupt hearts (v. 2-4)
While faith in the Lord Jesus stands as a unifying factor, James introduces another profound dimension of unity in verses 2-4. He sheds light on our shared human condition – our corrupt hearts. In these verses, James illustrates how our hearts can lead to favoritism and divisions within the church community.
“For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2:2-4
Beneath The Surface
Consider a scenario where a congregation warmly welcomes a rich-looking individual with open arms, offering them the best seats and lavish attention. Simultaneously, a poor-looking individual is shunned and marginalized, left to find a corner for themselves. James doesn’t leave us to wonder what point he is trying to make, it is clear: If we act like this, we place ourselves in the judges seat, we decide between person and person, and we reveal that our hearts are corrupt. When we treat one person better than another, or place one person in another category than another, we demonstrate our selfishness. Why would we treat people differently, anyways? Because of what they have to offer us or because of the ease of sacrifice it takes to love them. In this scenario the poor man has nothing to offer, and is much harder to love. The rich man, however, brings something to the table, so he is easier to love.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther, in his Lectures on Romans gives us a helpful word picture by explaining that all of us have hearts that are curved in on themselves. Listen to what he says, “Our nature, by the corruption of the first sin being so deeply curved in on itself that it not only bends the best gifts of God towards itself and enjoys them…(it) even uses God himself in order to attain these gifts, but it also fails to realize that it so wickedly, curvedly, and viciously seeks all things, even God, for its own sake.” To put this in common language: our hearts are like boomerangs. Sin has curved them just so, that anything that they go out towards, ends up turning right back around and pointing itself back where it came from. Even our best of intentions are laced with self interest.
When we engage in the kind of favoritism James condemns, we inadvertently assume the role of God’s equal. However, we are intrinsically inadequate and biased. God’s righteousness and impartiality stand in stark contrast to our flawed perspective. The attempt to distinguish and judge impartially is a proclamation that we are both divine and righteous enough to execute divine judgment.
Sin Unites Us
In this crucial part of James’ teaching, we encounter the realization that our shared brokenness – our curved’in hearts – creates fertile ground for divisions like favoritism. But ironically this shared sinfulness unites us in our humble recognition of our need for grace and transformation. As we move forward, let us remember that true unity can only be achieved by acknowledging our corrupt hearts and embracing the grace and transformation Christ offers. By doing so, we steer away from the pitfalls of favoritism and judgment, fostering an environment where the love of Christ prevails and unites us in ways that transcend distinctions. Our plan will be to continue looking at our unity in Christ by considering the folly of our judgements.
