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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Favoritism (02/28/05)
EXPERIENCING GOD'S FAVORTISM

The words favor and favoritism often bring forth anger and resentment when used to explain relationships between individuals and/or groups. Sometimes I think about those who were favored by classroom teachers. They had special privileges. Some class members referred to them as "teacher's pets."


We often find ourselves resenting those who are favored. Why do the words "favor" and "favoritism" elicit resentment. They bring forth resentment because of the behaviors associated with them. Mankind uses God's tool, favor, in a manner opposite to that in which GOD used it. Let's look at the behaviors mankind associates with "favor." Webster defines favor as "a special privilege or right." It defines favoritism as "showing special favor or the state of being a favorite."


Yes, GOD often demonstrated favor to some. GOD favored Abraham. He asked him to leave the comfort and security of home go to a place he did not know. He asked him to sacrifice his only son. GOD showed favor to Jacob, Moses, Daniel and the other prophets. Jesus demonstrated favor to his disciples. As we review the lives of those GOD and Jesus favored, we are overwhelmed by their pain and suffering. Why did they often experience such pain and suffering if they were favored by GOD? Shouldn't they experience less and not more? GOD might answer "NO."


GOD favored Israel. Did Israel experience unusual privileges or was it asked to assume greater responsibility? Did not Israel experience pain and suffering and even banishment when they failed to live in the manner GOD wanted them to "live?"


Some say they want to be favored by GOD. Do they understand that God's manner of favor is not the same as man's manner of favor. James and John wanted to be favored by Jesus. Jesus asked them if they understood what they were asking. He asked them, "Are you willing to endure what I endure."



Before we ask for special favor with GOD let's review the lives of those who were favored by GOD. Are we willing to endure the pain and suffering which those favored by GOD often endured? After reviewing their lives I began to have second thoughts about being favored by GOD. When I ask myself am I willing to assume greater responsibilities and often endure the pain and suffering which I may be asked to endure, I find myself replying "I don't really know." I ask you "Do you want to be favored by GOD?"
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Crista Darr
03/09/05
You've raised some interesting points here. I'd prefer favor with God. "If we suffer with him we will also reign with him."
donna robinson
03/10/05
This really hit to the truth of the core of the problem with favoritism. It isn't always one of glory. I too, realize that I have often asked God for less "favor" that the mountains were just too hard to climb; that I needed some valleys. He doesn't always listen when I ask for less! So I think very hard before I ask for his favor in something! I just thought you hit some great points in an honest and realistic manner. So often we go the good righteous path but in reality most of us aren't that righteous...