Thoughts on James 2:1-7

¹ My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. ² For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, ³ and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” ⁴ have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? ⁵ Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? ⁶ But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? ⁷ Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? 

Today, I was blessed to met three Major League Baseball Players from Unlimited Potential: Cal Eldred, Bryan Hickerson, and Terry Evans. They came to Hawaii to speak with my Soldiers about their faith in Christ. What was awesome is that they desired to know more about the Soldiers lives and goals than talking about themselves. 

Terry Evans

Some of the Soldiers and officers knew these players from watching them on TV or even attending one of their baseball clinics as a teenager. Cal Eldred took the time to speak with a Soldier about his time at a clinic, where he grew up, what he did in the military and yes the Soldier wanted to talk baseball.  All three got the opportunity to speak about their experiences in the majors, trails they have faced in their careers. Each one spoke about how they loved the game, but understood that the opportunities they have received were for more than just playing the game. They have the chance to glorify God, Who blessed them with their talent. They have the ability to share about how Christ taught them there was more to life than baseball and how to encourage their team mates in times of struggle.

James in this passage is speaking to us as Christians in how we treat those who are not of the faith or not from a prestigious background. When we treat certain people better than we treat others, we are dishonoring God. When the world props up hollywood stars, athletes, wealthy people, doctors, pastors, mentors, etc...over other people, because of who they are. We destroy the value of communion with God and our fellowman. We are not to treat people differently, because of who they are, but we are to treat all people with respect and the love God shows us.



The players today were treated well by the Soldiers and the players were thankful for the time and opportunity to meet some of our nation's finest. They felt blessed to meet and share in the lives of these Soldiers who provide the protection and freedom of our way and life. If you are a Christian remember to treat every person with the same respect as you would treat a close friend for Christ died for all not for some.

Pray with me: O Lord there have been times that I have treated certain people better than others. There have been times that I have looked down on those who are less fortunate. Please forgive me and teach me to treat every person I meet with respect, compassion, and the love you have shown me. Amen...