April 9 - Do Nothing Out of Favoritism

Today's Reading:
Ezra 10:1-44
1 Timothy 5:1-25
Psalm 119:81-88 
Click on Text Link to Read Online

Focus Verses:
1 Timothy 5:21
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.

Insight:
Impartiality is essential to the administration and oversight of community needs and values. When leaders give preference to some members of the community over others, it undermines unity and destroys all trust and confidence.

Playing favorites is harmful, hurtful, and destructive to everyone involved. This is true in all communities, and it is especially true in the Christian community we call church. Christian leaders must be extremely careful to give respect, care, and guidance without favoritism.

Response and Action:
I will do all I can to make sure that everyone is afforded equal opportunity, respect, and resources in the communities of my life. I will guard against favoritism and take a stand against discrimination starting in my family, in my workplace, and in my church. I will also extend this principle to my neighborhood, city, state, and country.

O Lord, your love and grace extend to all people. Thank you for your goodness and provision given without favoritism. Help me to follow your gracious example, and treat others as I would want to be treated. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses:  
James 2:3-4
3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Resources:
Subverting the Power of Prejudice
by Sandra L. Barnes