Everyone The Same

DEVOTION
1 TIMOTHY
EVERYONE THE SAME
1 Tim 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.
NIV
In the manner of conduct between all believers this charge should apply. Although it would seem it was a personal charge from Paul to Timothy, if all scripture is God-breathed and good for instruction, correcting and rebuking, then this scripture certainly has some merit for my life. I need to keep those instructions given to me by the Lord without partiality and I should not treat any believer any better or worse than any other believer, not showing any favoritism. Granted, this may well have been meant in the selection of elders and deacons, that Timothy was not supposed to use any filters when deciding who was worthy other than the filters which were outlined. He could not suggest one person because of perhaps a special liking or friendship. In the same manner I think it would do me well to examine whether I treat a believer better because of a closer relationship then I do a believer I barely know. But shouldn’t I show some special care for my family members, my wife, daughters and granddaughters? Should I treat them with some partiality and show them some favoritism? I think this may well not be about this kind of conduct between all believers, yet it still may be, but it surely has to do with how the local church conducts its affairs in determining who should serve in leadership. I think if a church adds to the list of qualifications, increasing the number of filters a candidate must pass through, they are in danger of violating this charge. I think the post modern church has done just that. I think way too many senior pastors surround themselves with people who adore them the most, doing nothing but showing partiality and favoritism. Does that sound critical? Maybe I am being critical, but I think it is true, at least where I have be able to observe the inner workings of the local church. I don’t know this to be true elsewhere, but I suspect it is not much different. What I have to do in my own life, making this charge personal, is to be the same person to everyone. I am who I am and I should be who I am with all who I come in contact with. I cannot pretend to be somebody I am not when I am with some, and then be like somebody else when I am with others. I think that might be showing partiality also. I think I have to simply love everyone the same.