Entering the Weekend with Christ

Hi everyone,

As we enter this weekend with Christ, we are reminded to treat everyone fairly; to not play favorites based on personal feelings or society's expectations.  We are called to treat all people with dignity and respect.  I wonder how I will answer this question when our grandchildren ask :

Pastor Tim

"God has led you to the desert, and spoken to your Heart."

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church

3546 E. Thomas Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85018

602-956-1620 office

The Temptation of Favoritism

Siblings in Christ, 

We all suffer from our human tendency to “play favorites” in our lives, it is built into our culture.  It can manifest in various forms, from favoring family members to discriminating against certain groups. This coming Sunday, our readings call out “favoritism” and “partiality”, highlighting its dangers and calling for justice and impartiality.

Isaiah 35:4-7a describes a scene of restoration and renewal, where the lame will leap, the tongue of the mute will sing, and water will burst forth in the wilderness. This passage symbolizes the transformative power of God's grace, which breaks down barriers and levels the playing field. In this context, the absence of favoritism is a key element of God's just and compassionate reign.

James 2:1-17 addresses the issue of favoritism directly, condemning those who show partiality to the rich while neglecting the poor. James argues that such behavior contradicts the teachings of Jesus and demonstrates a lack of true faith. He emphasizes that God judges without favoritism and expects us to do the same.

Mark 7:24-37 highlights the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their social or religious status. The story of the Syrophoenician woman, who persists in her request for healing for her daughter despite facing initial rejection, illustrates the power of faith and the importance of overcoming prejudice.

The Dangers of Favoritism

When we show favoritism, we undermine the principles of justice and equality by sending the message that some people are more deserving of our attention and care than others.  It can blind us to the needs and suffering of those who are marginalized or disadvantaged. It can lead us to make unfair judgments and to deny people opportunities that they deserve.

As Christ’s disciples, we are called to a different way. Our call is to treat all people with dignity and respect. In doing so, we reflect the character of God, who loves all his creation without favoritism. This does not mean that we should ignore our relationships or neglect those who are close to us. But it does mean that we should be mindful of our own biases and strive to treat everyone fairly, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Favoritism is a dangerous temptation that we must resist. By embracing impartiality and treating all people with dignity and respect, we can create a more just and compassionate world. We can be God’s hands and feet in our world.  Let us strive to follow the example of Jesus, who showed love and compassion to all, regardless of their social status or religious beliefs.