1 Timothy 5:21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

In the middle of various detailed instructions about pastoral ministry, Paul puts in this very strong admonition about favoritism. This sort of thing can creep into almost any situation, from the family all the way up to international politics. The most striking Biblical example is the way that Jacob treated Joseph, which created such jealousy in Joseph’s brothers that they sold him into slavery. The thing is, we all have preferences, and such things are entirely natural. What is wrong is treating people differently because of our preferences. This is specifically speaking of pastoral ministry, and favoritism in that context has even caused church splits. God has His sovereign choices, as Paul quoted Malachi saying for God, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” (Romans 9:13) However, we aren’t God, and we are to treat people equally. That said, we need to remember that people aren’t going to respond equally. I think God’s choices are because He knows how people are going to respond down the line. Jacob and Esau certainly had different attitudes toward God! We don’t have that knowledge, however, so we are to give everyone equal opportunities. That is currently a hot-button political topic these days, with all the discussion of “equity” as opposed to equality of opportunity. In a sports framework, tryouts are valid, but we must never exclude people from the start, saying, “You aren’t allowed to try.” Every one of us is imperfect, “damaged goods,” if you will, and that is all the more reason not to show favoritism. God’s love is universal, and it is up to each individual how they will respond to it, and not up to any human being to specify how anyone else is allowed to respond to God.

Having been in pastoral ministry over half my life, and frankly, not by my own choice, this is a very “live” topic for me. I must be an “equal opportunity pastor,” assigning responsibility and giving praise with an even hand. There are an infinite number of differences among people, and I need God’s wisdom for how to interact with each one. That is particularly true for the emotionally needy. I must be gentle and loving, but not pampering. Spoiled children are not genuinely happy children. The fact that different people need different levels of attention isn’t the same as favoritism. When I come right down to it, I flat don’t have the wisdom to keep it all straight, so I must maintain awareness of my total dependence on God.

Father, thank You for Your example of grace and mercy, toward me and toward everyone. Help me be an unobstructed channel of that grace and mercy toward all, letting “love cover a multitude of sins,” as Peter put it, (1 Peter 4:8) so that the Body of Christ may be built up, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!