Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 5:21
Today we read in 1 Timothy 5:21, the solemn charge that God gives to Timothy (and all of us) through Paul to make sure that all of the principles God has given us through His Word are guarded. We must also live out these principles, and make sure, as we exercise these truths that God has given, that we do so without bias, favoritism, or partiality. We can all fall victim to showing partiality to people we like and people who are family or good friends. God is warning us that if anyone is caught in sin, they must be held accountable for that sin. Showing favoritism in any way dishonors God and His Word. We should not think we are better than someone because of our relationship with Christ, nor should we show favoritism to someone rich or powerful. God makes this truth clear in James 2:1-4, “do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?” Favoritism has no place in God’s perfect Word, purpose, or plan.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about keeping His Word and not showing bias?
2. How are you keeping God’s commands and protecting yourself from showing favoritism to anyone?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!