I’ve never done a thorough study of the dynamics that occur when two people first meet, but I can tell you from firsthand experience that there is a rapid assessment and evaluation based upon appearance, demeanor and social context that will either result in pursuit of a relationship or a polite, “well, it was nice meeting you”. In large part, pursuit of the relationship is based on whether I believe that my life will somehow be improved or enhanced by this new contact. The pursuit is based on self-interest. What can this person do for me? What networks will I can access to? Rejection is also based on self-interest. What will this person demand of me and my time? What will happen to my status if I am in this relationship?
The assessment and evaluation also occurs in group settings. Which is where the church comes into the picture. We ask the same questions in the plural: What can this person do for us? Will this person bring resources to us or take resources from us? Will this person advance our mission and enhance our image in the community? And James nails it (James 2:1-4). Money (or the appearance of money) gets attention because most churches need it.
But James also reminds us that showing favoritism is incompatible with our faith in Jesus Christ, who became poor, who had no place to lay his head and who spent most of his time with people who were “poor in the eyes of the world”–those God chose to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom (James 2:5)
We reveal who we are by the relationships we pursue.
Tongue on Fire 
Unfortunately, James and Paul seem to have some different views on what occurs when someone enters the community of the church. It seems to me that Paul asks the church at Corinth to ask similar questions of the people but in a more constructive way.
What can this person do for us?
Will this person bring resources to us or take resources from us?
Will this person advance our mission and enhance our image in the community?”
Instead of using these questions to judge a newcomer, Paul instructs the church to ask these questions to ensure the safety and faith of the church family, so as not to let a snake into the garden, if you will. I agree that these questions should not be asked to judge someone based on wealth or the pursuit of status because then the snake is already in the church’s garden. However, these questions, posed a different way, can work to keep the church a place of sanctity and faith.
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