Playing Favorites

Have you ever been the favorite of a parent, friend, or in the work environment?  How did others view you?  What about if you were NOT the favorite?  How did  you view those who obviously were?

Favoritism creates jealousy, a breach of trust, and contempt.

In other words, it ain't pretty. 

While it is not unusual to have a special affinity for a friend, co-worker, or child, favoritism is the demonstration of that preference.  Yesterday, our pastor talked about how showing favoritism is about US, not those we prefer.  Ouch.  Favoritism has everything to do with what we want, what makes us comfortable and happy, and not anything to do with the value of another person.

Conditional love.

Throughout the Bible, in fact, right there in Genesis, showing favoritism has destroyed families and even entire communities.

Yet the Lord asks us to show no favoritism, in fact - to see OTHERS better than US - to SERVE.

It's a challenge, and especially big one for a Monday.  But we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  We simply must ask for our hearts to change to want to be that kind of person.  Today, try to take your focus off of yourself and see what others need.  Do it not because it is easy, but because it is good for someone other than yourself.