AUGUST 20 “INTIMACY AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE CHURCH- FAVORITISM”

The early church had no formal administrative system, the Apostles were the leaders and devoted themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The population of church was growing. The early disciples were mainly natives of Palestine, who spoke primarily Aramaic. Many Jews who had lived in the Mediterranean area outside of Palestine returned to Jerusalem. They spoke Greek language mainly and they were called Hellenists. Later some of them joined the church. 

It seemed that the Aramaic speaking widows were getting better treatment than the Hellenist widows in the distribution of food. This brought about the problem of favoritism which would have led to spiritual warfare within the church, if not for the timely intervention of the apostles. This gave birth to the selection of deacons who were mandated to take care of the distribution of food.

The problem of favoritism or partiality is even with us today in various aspects of church life. The selection of deacons and deaconesses is a war in some churches. Selection of church officers, award of contracts, distribution of palliatives and even visitation of church members, all these raise accusations of favoritism or partiality. The Holy Spirit should be allowed to take His place when all these are being handled.

When we mediate in any misunderstanding there should be no favoritism or partiality. God does not show any partiality, Roman 2:11. Likewise, we too should not be partial. When there are lapses, members should immediately bring such to the notice of the leadership. The leadership also should immediately try to find solutions just as the early apostles did.

PRAYER: My dear heavenly Father, you hate favoritism. Grant us the grace to follow in your footsteps so that your church will experience your joy and peace in Jesus’ name, Amen.