Thursday, May 15, 2008

partiality

James 2:1-9; Mk 8:27-33

"You are thinking not as god but as human beings do."

At the heart of seeking to put on the mind of Christ, to see with the eyes of God, to live with divine love finds its epicenter in the reality that James addresses: "my brothers and sisters, show no partiality."

"Show no partiality"

The word for partiality in greek means to lift up one's face toward.  It was originally a sign of just showing favor toward in a positive manner, something that the book of numbers relates to when it says" "may the Lord bless you and keep you, and show his face upon you."

Originally it was good but quickly over time it became radically different.  In the time of James it went from showing favor to showing favoritism.  It went from turn your face toward to turn up your nose. 

James is simply inviting us to get back to the original meaning and seek to be as God is toward us.  Look upon all with the same concerned countenance of love and respect. 

This is the look of Christ as he hung upon the cross; from on high he shed his countenance of grace and concern to all below.   

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