Seeing People Through a Gospel Lens
Imagine the following scene: A man enters a church wearing an expensive Swiss watch and an elegant wool suit. The ushers immediately notice the tailored suit and the fine watch. They seat the man in a prime seat in the front row, with a good view and visible to everyone else. Then, a man wearing shabby clothing enters the church. He appears grubby and unkempt. The ushers escort the man to the back of the room, behind the back row in the balcony, hopefully out of sight and ideally out of mind. And, quickly, the ushers head back to check on the rich man in the front row – wanting to be sure he’s comfortable and feeling duly welcomed. This is a shocking and vulgar scene that is actually painted in the second chapter of the book of James. It is a scene that has lessons for us all.
James urges his readers to not merely hear the Word of God, but actually put it into practice in their lives. He writes, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22). James goes on to explain that authentic religion—religion that is “pure and undefiled” (James 1:27)—cares for the vulnerable, and keeps oneself unstained from the values of the world. This theme flows into the second chapter of the book of James, in which James calls his readers to show no partiality. He writes, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” (James 2:1) To show partiality is to treat people differently based upon things like their wealth or education.
The key to avoiding partiality is found in the title ascribed to Jesus by James: “Lord of glory” (James 2:1). We are easily tempted to look for glory in all the wrong places. All of us can easily be bedazzled by the fading glory of money and power. But James reminds us that the glory of Jesus is true and lasting. Jesus didn’t wear fine clothes or a gold ring. He was a humble carpenter travelling on a dusty road. But Psalm 104:2 reminds us that He “wraps Himself with light, as with a garment”. He is God Himself – exalted on high – dwelling in unapproachable light. He is good and pure and glorious!
If our vision of glory is accurate – if we have a vision of divine glory that fills our mind’s eye and captivates our heart – then our social values and behaviour will fall into line. If we fix our eyes upon the cross of Christ, we shall behold the supreme glory of Jesus. In speaking of His death on the cross, Jesus declared, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 17:1). Jesus became the most impoverished man in the world as He hung on the cross, without even the dignity of rags for clothes. He became the lowest of the low, that He might bring to God those whose rags of unrighteousness are tattered and filthy. And as He did that, His glory, majesty, and heavenly beauty were on full display.
The key is to look at people through a gospel lens. This week, ask the Lord to reveal where you might show partiality. Confess where you have set aside the values that you learned at the foot of the cross and “made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts” (James 2:4). Then, behold the glory of the Lord in the face of Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary and allow this vision to reshape your attitudes towards others.