December 1

‘For whoever will keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.’ James 2:10
This truly is an interesting verse. I find that it rubs against my traditional view of a legalistic hierarchy. Is this to mean that murder is not any worse an offense than adultery? The answer is; ‘Yes…and no.’
All sin is equal insomuch as it keeps us from God. James is telling us that we cannot be perfect (only Christ lived without sin) and that we will all fall short of God’s law. In this respect, since we are all sinners and failures under God’s law, the nature of the offense is relevant only in the degree in which it deters us from seeking forgiveness.
On the other hand, Old Testament law does account for variable punishments dependent on the offense. (Murder for example was subject to capital punishment so long as three eye witnesses were in accord) Does this mean James is incorrect in his amalgam of offenses? I don’t think so. I believe that we must differentiate consequences as a part of self governance. Without such an ability, murderers would walk freely or shoplifters would be executed depending on which end of the spectrum the punishment is derived.
What James is reminding us of is that while it is necessary for judgment to be passed through legal code, it is not our place as individuals to judge. Only God can judge and the assumption of His will is the result of either delirium or dishonesty. We are all sinners. God has no gradient scale that we are aware of. If you have been tasked as a judge by a calling from God or otherwise, then judge according to the provision of the law. If you have not been tasked as a judge, then leave it to God and concentrate only on seeking forgiveness for your own inefficiencies.