The above verse continues to say ..."have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?"

How many times have we looked at the appearance of others and made a negative comment before a positive one entered our mind? We all have done it. 

A woman would prefer a guy with a new, flashy, shiny car versus a man with a worn down, outdated clunker. 

But what she failed to realize is that the guy in the nicer car was a thief, a cheater, and a liar, who obtain his possessions  by  working hard to deceive others. 

The man in the clunker is a honest, hard working man of God, who works a decent job, and lives comfortable, yet he is saving for something far greater.

We live in a world based on outward appearance. If it is defective, flawed, or imperfect it is not acceptable. Why? Are we too good to except, or are we going to actually examine the book before we judge it's cover?

Far too many people miss out on opportunities because a wicked, self-centered person judges another by what's on the surface, and not for what's underneath.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, wrote a letter to the church in regards to the rich rulers showing favoritism based on a person's attire. The rulers and high priests saved good seats in their churches for the rich, and made the poor sit on the ground.

James said in versus 2:5-6 "Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?  But you have dishonored the poor man. 

God made the poor heirs of his kingdom, but the rich had no concept of this thought because their thoughts were on their own kingdoms and possessions. 

We see it in the news all day long...

 Rich people debating and arguing over spending money on prostitutes and taxes, boasting of unnecessary expensive clothes and cosmetic procedures, and taking far too many over-priced vacations during a time when the world is in need.

The poor and working folk are being thrown out of their homes, losing jobs, and having helpful resources cut. The unfortunate part is, the modern day rulers are church going folks who confess the love of God and Jesus.

They are politicians, leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and the like who show partiality to the poor, and only use the poor to gain prestige in their own circle of friends. They can feed a tribe in Tibet, but allow a family to starve in East L.A.

I refuse to sit back and live a comfortable life when I know a brother or sister is in need. Some folk talk a good game when cameras are on, but behind the scenes they are living a complacent life, thrilled they are not like those poor dirty bastards they just cut a charitable check to.

 Jesus said in Matthew 23:25-26  "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also."

Jesus knew the rich loved to be clean and polished on the outside, but they were filthy and dirty inside. Their hearts were thinking evil of others based on outer appearance.

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts... MATTHEW 15:19

For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.