In a world that often values status and wealth, the Church should be a beacon of impartiality
and inclusion. The notion of a VIP section within the Church goes against the very essence of
Christianity. It contradicts the teachings of James, who urged believers to show no partiality as
they held their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory (James 2:1). Let’s delve deeper
into the concept of God’s impartiality versus the partiality prevalent in society and explore why
the Church should reject the idea of a VIP section.
Understanding God’s Impartiality
Scripture reminds us that God made us, loves us, and values us. As believers, we are called to
see others as God sees them, without partiality or favoritism. James emphasizes this point by
using the Greek word for partiality, a term unique to the New Testament and absent from classic
Greek. This highlights that only Christians were challenged to reject partiality in a culture where
it was deeply ingrained.
When the Bible refers to God as the Lord of Glory, it signifies His magnitude, majesty, and
honor. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and holy. Yet, despite our sinfulness and
inconsistencies, He chose us. God didn’t select the glorious ones but rather the broken ones.
This understanding of God’s impartiality should shape our perspective and challenge us to
embrace the same impartiality in our interactions with others.
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory.”
(James 2:1).
The Context of the Early Church
To fully appreciate James’ message, we must consider the context of the early Church. The
early Church was predominantly poor, with many believers facing rejection and persecution.
Celsus, a philosopher of the time, expressed disdain for Christians due to their poverty and
perceived low societal status. Becoming a Christian often meant being disowned by one’s
family, especially for Jewish converts. Women who embraced Christianity also faced distinct
challenges, lacking the support of a family and potentially being abandoned by their husbands.
The Example of Partiality
James illustrates the issue of partiality with a vivid example. He describes a scenario where a
rich man, adorned in fine clothing and noticeable jewelry, enters a gathering of predominantly
poor believers. The believers, conditioned by societal norms, offer the rich man a seat of honor
while relegating a poor man to a less desirable position (James 2:2-3).
It is crucial to understand the significance of seating arrangements in the context of synagogues
at that time. Synagogues had limited seating, and most people stood or sat on the floor. The act
of offering a seat to the rich man implies that a poor individual had to vacate their place. James
exposes the hypocrisy of such actions, prompting reflection on the segregation and preferences
being created within the Church (James 2:4).
The Danger of Creating Distinctions
By creating a VIP section within the Church, we run the risk of distorting the image of God and
undermining the core principles of Christianity. James warns that when we make distinctions
and separate believers based on external factors such as wealth or social status, we become
“judges with evil thoughts” (James 2:4).
The world may have settings where we create spaces for so-called “very important people”. This
may make us think of businesses, clubs, or airplanes. The Church, however, should not follow
suit. VIP culture may permeate society, but it has no place within the body of Christ. By
succumbing to the allure of VIP treatment, we inadvertently communicate that material wealth
and external appearances carry more weight in the eyes of God. This undermines the message
of salvation, grace, and the unconditional love of God.
The Church as an Inclusive Community
The Church should be a haven of love, acceptance, and inclusivity. It should reflect the
impartiality of God, who chose the broken and marginalized. Jesus Himself demonstrated this
inclusive nature throughout His ministry, reaching out to the outcasts, the poor, and the rejected.
His example serves as a reminder that we are called to love and embrace all people, regardless
of their worldly possessions or societal standing.
As believers, our focus should be on the inward condition of the heart rather than external
appearances. In Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Paul reminds us that, “There is neither Jew nor
Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ
Jesus.” This principle should guide our interactions with one another within the Church, ensuring
that no one is treated as a VIP while others are relegated to a lesser position.
Embracing God’s Model of Impartiality
To eradicate the concept of a VIP section within the Church, we must align our attitudes and
actions with God’s model of impartiality. This requires a deliberate shift in our mindset, focusing
on the intrinsic value of every individual, irrespective of their social status or material
possessions.
As believers, we should strive to see people through the lens of God’s love and grace. This
means treating each person with dignity, respect, and kindness, regardless of their external
circumstances. It means valuing the broken, the marginalized, and the outcasts, just as God
does.
Cultivating a Culture of Inclusivity
Creating a culture of inclusivity within the Church begins with individual believers. We must
examine our own hearts and confront any biases or preferences that may hinder our ability to
love and accept others unconditionally. It requires humility, selflessness, and a willingness to
step outside our comfort zones.
Practical steps toward cultivating inclusivity include actively seeking to build relationships with
individuals from diverse backgrounds, engaging in acts of service and compassion, and
intentionally inviting and welcoming all people into the Church community. By fostering an
environment where everyone feels valued and included, we demonstrate God’s impartial love to
the world.
Conclusion
The Church should reflect God’s impartiality, embracing all people with love, acceptance, and
inclusion. The notion of a VIP section goes against the very essence of Christianity, distorting
the image of God and hindering the unity and growth of the body of believers. Let’s reject
partiality and strive to cultivate a culture of inclusivity, valuing each individual as a precious
creation of God. May the Church stand as a beacon of love and acceptance, drawing all people
to the transformative power of the Gospel.
