Chapter 2, Verses 6-7 “But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?”
In honoring the rich man above others we do dishonor to the others. James is echoing the reality of his time. Due to the corruption of judges and leaders the poor were frequently taken advantage of. This was definitely a violation of the law and of the very spirit of brotherhood taught by the prophets of God.
Why, James wants to know, would you show preference to the very people who were opposed to the principles of the prince of peace? James goes so far as to accuse these privileged people of blaspheming the name of Jesus. There are still those among us who do this just as there are those who take advantage of the poor. No Christian should ever be in the position of dishonoring a poor or underprivileged person. Christ loves all and died for all. He gives every human the same opportunity to be His child.
Task for Today: There is no need to reverse this behavior, either. The Christian must honor all men as God’s creation and every other Christian as brother/sister. Honor everyone (1 Peter 2:17). Just remember the saying, “God first, others second, self last.”
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