Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 3-043 (Devotional)

DO NOTHING OUT OF FAVORITISM

by Peter Kennedy

“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.” – 1 Timothy 5:21

Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church South Barrington, Illinois, tells the lesson he learned about favoritism: “One evening I stopped by the church just to encourage those who were there rehearsing for the spring musical. I didn’t intend to stay long, so I parked my car next to the entrance. After a few minutes, I ran back to my car and drove home.

The next morning I found a note in my office mailbox. It read: ‘A small thing, but Tuesday night when you came to rehearsal, you parked in the ‘No Parking’ area. A reaction from one of my crew (who did not recognize you until after you got out of the car) was, ‘There’s another jerk parking in the “No Parking” area!’ We try hard not to allow people–even workers–to park anywhere other than the parking lots. I would appreciate your cooperation, too.’ It was signed by a member of our maintenance staff.

I’m not the exception to church rules, nor am I the exception to sexual rules or financial rules or any of God’s rules. As a leader, I am not an exception; I’m to be the example. According to Scripture, I am to live in such a way that I can say, ‘Follow me. Park where I park. Live as I live.’ That’s why we all need people like my staff member to hold us accountable in even the small matters. Because when we keep the minor matters in line, we don’t stumble over the larger ones. Just when I was starting to think, ‘I’m an exception,’ somebody on our staff cared enough to say, ‘Don’t do it, Bill, not even in one small area.’ That’s love.”

Are you showing favoritism to others? Today in prayer, thank Christ that before Him there is no partiality or favoritism.

“The well-being of every community depends on impartial discipline.” – B.S. Easton

God’s Word: “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.” – James 2:1

DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail

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