Not Showing Favoritism

“Mom always liked you best.” Remember that line?

Tommy Smothers said it to his brother Dicky on the first episode of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1967–1969).

Tommy’s reaction is nothing new. Favoritism has been around a long time. Isaac loved Esau best, but Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28). First-century Jews associated with other Jews, but not with Gentiles (Acts 10:28)

In our day, the sting of being shunned or excluded is still felt!

However, there is no place for partiality in the church! For “God is not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:34). He equally and fully welcomes all who repent of sin and trust in Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers forgiveness for all, acceptance for all, and entrance into the family of God for all.

That’s why James says, “Do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus

Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism” (James 2:1).

And that’s why he exposed this wrong practice in the early church–seating one group (the rich) in the best seats and another group (the poor) on the floor or having to stand (James 2:2–4)

In our churches, we may do well in how we seat people, but what about how we treat people? Do we welcome guests coming through our doors? Do we speak to “new people” on nearby pews? Do we share our names or learn their names?

In short, do we treat others the way we want to be treated when visiting another church?

In my seminary days as a class assignment, my wife-to-be and I visited several churches. More than once, we had the memorable experience of being surrounded by worshippers, who were singing to the Lord energetically and greeting one another enthusiastically, while totally ignoring us!

To borrow a phrase from James— “My brethren, these things ought not be this way!”

It ought to be like the experience of church members who have said, “I remember my first visit to church and how an usher welcomed me. He’s one of the reasons why I joined the church.” Or “We felt at home from the start. People made us feel so welcome.” www.momsinprayer.org

So as we sing “Brethren we have met to worship and adore the Lord our King,” let us also welcome all warmly and fulfill the royal law, the law of our King, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8).

Our Mission: Moms In Prayer International impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering mothers to pray.