So who is your favorite? My dad and I were talking one day and he mentioned that his grandfather chose favorites among the grandchildren. I knew my dad loved and idolized his granddad, so I asked, “Were you his favorite?” “No,” he said. “How did that feel?” I asked. “Not very good,” he said sadly.
Worse than playing favorites in families is playing favorites at church. In the first century, James confronted the practice of economic discrimination. Wealthy guests and members were ushered to special seating in the church. The poor were told to stand or sit at the feet of others. God took exception to them for this practice.
Christians fulfill the royal law, loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. Putting this principle into practice prevents us from playing favorites. Our neighbors are the ones who are near to us. When we care for the least of these, those who cannot repay us, we are doing the work of the Father.
Some people have a radar to detect the wealthy. They cater to them because the wealthy can repay them. James says God has chosen the poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith. Jesus said he had no place to lay his head. Mother Theresa could put all her worldly possession in a paper sack. Look for the person who can never repay you. Do something good for them. We don’t have to keep track. God will.
