DISADVANTAGES OF FAVORITISM

MEMORY VERSE: and when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him, Genesis 37:4

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 14, 2 Cor 7, Ezek 21, Ps 1-2

Jacob loved Joseph more than all his children for obvious reasons. He loved him because he was the first born of Rachel (his favorite wife). Not only that, he loved him because he was the son of his old age. Because of all these, he showered this young man with gifts. As parents it is quite understandable to like a child above the others but it is unwise to show it or favor one above the other. Jacob did not only love Joseph more all his children, he favored him more than his children. Out of his twelve sons, he made a coat of many colors for Joseph alone. The other sons noticed and began to hate Joseph. Genesis 37:4 says and when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. 

The problem of Joseph started when his father began to favor him above all the other children. Friends became foes when Jacob began to pay extra attention to Joseph at the expense of other children. Jacob broke the bond of unity amongst his children because he favored one above the rest. This old man unknowingly divided his family into two – Joseph and other children as a result of favoritism. Favoritism births enmity between children or a team. Favoritism amongst any team breaks the bond of unity within that team. Favoritism causes problems and breaks up a team.

There are a lot of parents who have caused enmity between their children as a result of favoritism. There are many who look after the male children and neglect the female children. All children should be treated the same and no one should be neglected. When a parent begins to favor a child above the other, such parent is dividing the family and giving the enemy an opportunity to come in between the children. Treat all children the same, give them the same opportunity. The fact that you love a child above others is not a criterion to favor him. The fact that you love a member of staff above others is not a criterion to favor him or her above others. When you favor an individual above others, you are only creating problem for the individual. Not only that, the favored individual will begin to face unnecessary challenges. Favoritism can turn brothers to murderers. It was favoritism that landed Joseph in the pit. Although Joseph was favored above his brothers, he paid dearly for it and it almost cost him his life .Favoritism should be frowned upon in our churches, homes, community, national assemblies and parliaments. It only gives the enemy an opportunity to divide us.

ACTION POINT: Voice against favoritism.

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world for Jesus.