In every generation, the temptation to value people by their outward appearance rather than their inward worth persists. Society often honours the wealthy, the influential, and the well-dressed, while quietly overlooking those who seem insignificant. Yet James, writing to the early church, confronts this very mindset among believers that faith in Christ and favouritism cannot coexist. He exposes the hypocrisy of giving honour to the rich while neglecting the poor, reminding the church that true faith is measured not by social status or appearance but by how one treats others.
Favoritism in Church
Why do people show favouritism in churches and what is the downfall? People often show favouritism in churches because their judgments are shaped by personal opinions and worldly values. They tend to value individuals based on what they can gain from them—status, influence, or benefits—rather than seeing them through the eyes of Christ. Such attitudes reveal a heart that measures worth by appearance or position instead of faith and character.
When believers make choices based on preference, they end up hurting others and straying from Jesus’ teaching on the mount, which calls for humility, mercy, and love without discrimination. Favouritism adds unnecessary burdens and barriers for those seeking to hear the Word of God. Thus this kind of partiality leads to division and harm within the body of Christ.
In truth, whether rich or poor, influential or meek, every person stands equally in need of the Word. The church is meant to be a place of shared fellowship—like a restaurant where everyone eats together. The pastor, like a chef, should serve the same spiritual nourishment to all without distinction. And if someone refuses the meal because they “lack taste,” it is not the chef’s duty to change the recipe or serve them privately. The downfall of favouritism, therefore, is that it corrupts the unity of the church, distorts the message of grace, and prevents the Word from reaching those who need it most.
Dishonouring the Poor
But you have dishonored 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 blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
James 2:6-7 (NIV)
Why do people pay more attention to those who are dragging their name in the mud? People often give more attention and honour to those who actually oppose or exploit them because their motives are rooted in fear, self-interest, and the desire for recognition. Even within churches, those who have little regard for God often receive respect and influence simply because of their wealth, position, or power. This misplaced honour comes from the hope of gaining something in return—favour, approval, or worldly benefit. Many also fear opposing such individuals or prefer to follow the majority rather than stand for truth. But by doing so, believers dishonour the poor and disregard the very heart of the gospel, which calls for humility and impartial love. When the church begins to value those who blaspheme God’s name while neglecting the faithful and the humble, it loses sight of Christ’s example. True faith does not bow to influence or fear but treats every person with equal dignity, remembering that all are accountable before the same Lord.
Why do people pay more attention to those who are dragging their name in the mud? Even when someone personally wrongs us or speaks ill of us, there is often a strange tendency to still give them attention, to try to please them, or to seek their approval—this happens even within churches. Psychologically, people fear rejection or conflict; they feel an unconscious need to win over those who oppose them, hoping that kindness or compliance might change the other person’s attitude. This desire for acceptance, even from those who dishonour us, can quietly shape how we treat others.
In churches, this tendency can become visible when more attention is given to those who criticise or gossip, while the humble and faithful are overlooked. We cater to the difficult or influential person first—perhaps out of fear, the hope of peace, or the desire to maintain reputation. Yet in doing so, we compromise fairness and sincerity. James reminds us that this kind of partiality dishonours the poor and undermines the very spirit of the gospel as it corrupts the heart of our fellowships. When we begin to prioritise those who mistreat us simply to keep harmony or gain approval, we lose sight of God’s standard of love and truth.
Riches Fade Away
James delivers a stern warning to the wealthy who exploit others and live in selfish luxury. He calls them to weep and wail for the judgment that is coming upon them. Their riches—once a source of pride—are now decaying, corroded, and worthless, serving as evidence of their greed. The wages they withheld from labourers cry out to God for justice, and their indulgent lifestyles have only prepared them for destruction. By condemning and oppressing the innocent, they have fattened themselves for the day of God’s wrath.
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
James 5:1-2 (NIV)
James warns the rich not merely for possessing wealth, but for trusting in it and using it unjustly. He reminds them that earthly riches will ultimately corrode and fade away, offering no security before God. Just as Jesus illustrated in His parable of the rich man who stored up his grain in barns, only for his life to be demanded that very night, so too will those who hoard wealth find their treasures consumed like fire.
James highlights the exploitation of the humble and helpless by those in power—the unpaid wages of labourers cry out to the Lord for justice. His warning contrasts the condition of the rich and the poor: while the poor often live in dependence upon God, the rich rely on their possessions and comfort. He is not condemning wealth itself, but the desire to be rich and the self-indulgent lifestyle that blinds one to righteousness.
The words of Jesus echo here: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Yet even after hearing such words, the disciples—and mankind since—have continued to crave wealth. This warning has seldom stopped people from pursuing riches at any cost. James therefore calls for reflection and repentance, reminding us that the condemnation of those who exploit others and live for wealth will not be delayed—it will surely come.
Ignoring Our Conviction
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
James 4:17 (NIV)
Why is it a sin if we know what to do and still don’t? When we know what is right yet choose to ignore it, our disobedience is deliberate, not out of ignorance. James reminds us that sin is not only found in doing what is wrong, but also in failing to do what is right. This quiet neglect reveals a heart that prefers comfort over obedience, convenience over conviction. We know God’s Word, we understand His commands, and yet we continue to act as though we have no clue. Jesus once told the Samaritan woman, “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know”—and still, we often live as if we are blind to the truth we proclaim. This selective obedience often comes from a desire to maintain control—sometimes to hold on to influence, reputation, or even the congregation itself.
Many leaders and believers alike know what must be said or done but stay silent to avoid discomfort or loss. Paul echoes this inner struggle in Romans 7, where he confesses, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Knowing the good yet refusing to do it exposes a divided heart—a heart that acknowledges God’s authority but resists His will. Such resistance is sin because it reveals that our allegiance is not fully to Christ. True faith is not in knowing alone but in doing what we know, even when it costs us. We must look beyond outward differences and live by the “royal law” of love—where mercy wins over judgment, and everyone is seen through the eyes of Christ.
Discussion Topics
- Why do people show favouritism in churches and what is the downfall?
- Why do people pay more attention to those who are dragging their name in the mud?
- Why is it a sin if we know what to do and still don’t?
The Jordan Valley 
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