Judging a book by its cover

James ends his first chapter with a statement that I love – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” It leads so well into Chapter 2 in which he tackles the topic of favoritism. It is the ‘pollution’ of the world that compromises the purity of our faith and actions. And when our faith is muddied by the thinking of the world, we can begin to think and act in ways which do not reflect the glory of God.

In this passage, it is not certain as to whether James is reacting to an actual situation that has occurred, or if he is using it as an example. It doesn’t really matter – either way, James is condemning the way we can show partiality and favoritism to those around us. He uses the case of two men who enter a meeting or possibly a worship service. One is a poor man who is wearing filthy rags. Alongside him, is a man who is wearing a gold ring and the fine clothes. The reaction of the church members is clear by where they direct each man to sit. The better dressed man is given a good seat, and the poor man is asked to stand or sit on the floor at someone’s feet. It is abundantly clear that the company of the first man is preferred.

James contends that these Christians have made a judgment call - that the first man was judged as the ‘better’ person because of the way he was dressed. He looked like a good person. It is a classic case of judging a book by its cover.

How easily do we fall into the same traps and show favoritism by our words and actions? Do we judge a poor man who is asking for change on the corner? Do we look at those of another race with suspicion? Do we see someone with a disability or mental health concern and marginalize them in our minds as those who ‘can’t’? The pollution of the world with its bias, racism, and prejudice has taught us to impose judgment simply by what we see.

In verse 10, James admonishes us to speak and act as those who will by judged. When I think about how God judges me, I am deeply convicted about my own partiality and favoritism.

Most of the time, it is nothing I would say out loud, but rather, just think in my mind. And this is what God sees. He does not judge on what I say or do outwardly, but rather, he judges my heart. His judgment is fair and impartial, and full of mercy. But, if I am merciless, God will show that same level of judgment to me. Faith must not only be shown in words and deeds, but in action that is representative of a great and merciful God.