My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.
James 2:1
I have seen again and again the damage done in Christian circles by those who call themselves followers but refuse to yield themselves to this verse. Parents, Teachers, Pastors, Youth Leaders and many others involved in ministry.
I have seen it in the church and outside of the church. Both believers and unbelievers are guilty of it.
Showing favoritism.
I have been guilty of it.
I have been the victim of it.
You have been. Your children have been.
Someone you love will be in the future.
We who claim the light must not walk in darkness but examine ourselves.
I continue to seek God concerning this issue because it is such an insidious and offensive sin,
especially within the Church. Now.
Seems like a simple enough directive. But the heart is desperately wicked. We are so easily deceived.
We are lured into comforts that God never desired for us with regard to our spiritual lives. If you think you do not show favoritism, then I want to ask you the last time you welcomed someone new into your life? Not just said “Hi”, in passing, but took a genuine interest in their lives. When was the last time you were inconvenienced by someone who didn’t meet up to your expectations of what a “Christian”, “good person”, “proper citizen” should be?
We want to abide in the Us and Them mentality that Christ himself condemns.
We want to talk about evangelism, study the Bible,
argue theological points and give our testimonies on Sunday and Wednesday.
Instead of being a living testimony to the Truth every day.
Instead of letting grace ooze from our pores 24-7, we want to sit in small comfortable circles of like-minded individuals debating doctrine- instead of extending a courtesy to a newcomer or kindness to a stranger.
We want to see miracles and healing but not touch another’s leprosy.
We want to heap judgment on the nation, instead of prayers in a closet with tears
for those who are blinded by lies.
How dare we.
How dare You.
How dare I.
Be outraged at the thought of favoritism.
It is not Christlike.
It destroys testimony, it is Satan’s tool, it is ugly to a God who does NOT play favorites.
Guard yourself wherever you with regard to this sin and watch how God
opens your heart to those around you and blesses you.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.
Mercy triumphs over judgment!
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
OMG, Dawn. This has been on my mind since last week. Almost posted a 'rant' about this on fb, but I thought better of it, because it came out of anger at something/someone and I had to restrain myself. But you are SO right about this, and you did this with an obviously much better mind set and heart attitude. Thank you so much, my dear, for always verbalizing so well what we all need to be confronted with and convicted (never condemned) by, looking deep into our own hearts along with God for what needs to be removed and/or transformed. Thank you for always sharing the truths that God lays on your heart. This has been such an ugly, dark past few weeks for me and while I've been reading all of your posts, I just didn't have it in me to respond to many of them. But please know that you are so inspiring to me.Grace and peace, dear bloggy BFF! <3Pam
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