who needs the poor when you have the rich (my tounge is in my cheek)?!

the following may, or may not, be “hypothetical.”

what happens when as a pastor you’re asked to show favourtism to the rich?

for example, you’re asked by leadership (“hypothetically” of course) to pay special attention to a wealthy family (which you don’t do). then, a couple of weeks later, the needs of a poor family in the congregation are neglected by that same “hypothetical” leadership (whom you “hypothetically” made sure was informed of this need).

does this seem right to you? is this OK in God’s sight? giving special attention to the rich while neglecting the poor.

james may, or may not (but probably ‘may’), have had something to say to this…

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

wow. james was GOOD. how did he know, all of those years ago, that we, today, would be so silly?

“hypothetically” of course.

peace.