Motives

James 2:2-4 King James Version

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

When you read James 2:2-4, you would assume that this was a passage against having wealth. Contrary to popular belief, God does not have problem with you being wealthy. Do not let anyone lie to you by saying otherwise. This passage is about how we treat each other. Yes, it is! James in the above scriptures highlights a man who have the appearance of wealth and a man who have the appearance of being poverty-stricken. He also highlighted how the rich man would receive favoritism, while the poor man would be treated unfairly. Well, to be honest, unfairly doesn't do the scripture justice. James 2:3 said the poor man had a choice to stand there or to sit here under my footstool. Now, that is low! James goes on in James 2:4 and ask them, in their discrimination of the poor man, have they become judges with the wrong motives? The motives behind the treatment of the wealthy man and of the poor man was called into question. We all have motives behind everything we do. It could be public or private, but there is a motive. What are your motives behind what you do? Are they righteous or evil?