Favoritism
A.W. Tozer warns against the evil of favoritism, where those who have are given preference over those who have not, and calls for humility and acknowledgment of our own guilt.
A.W. Tozer addresses the pervasive issue of favoritism within Christian communities, highlighting the danger of preferential treatment towards the well-known and affluent while neglecting the less fortunate and obscure. He emphasizes that this behavior often occurs without malicious intent, yet it perpetuates inequality and injustice. Tozer calls for self-reflection and humility, acknowledging that many, including himself, have participated in this sin. He warns that such favoritism is an iniquity that will face judgment, urging believers to extend love and hospitality to all, regardless of status.
Text
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun--one that grows and does not diminish. And it is all the more dangerous because it is done without evil aforethought but, as it were, carelessly and without wrong intent.
It is the evil of giving to them that have and withholding from them that have not. It is the evil of blessing with a loud voice them that are already blessed and letting the unblessed and the outcast lie forgotten.
Let a man appear in a local Christian fellowship and let him be one whose fame is bruited abroad, whose presence will add something to the one who entertains him, and immediately a score of homes will be thrown open and every eager hospitality will be extended to him. But the obscure and the unknown must be content to sit on the fringes of the Christian circle and not once be invited into any home.
This is a great evil and an iniquity that awaits the judgment of the great day. And it is so widespread that scarcely any of us can claim to be free from it. So we condemn it only with utter humility and with acknowledgment that we too have been in some measure guilty.
Sermon Outline
- The Evil of Favoritism
- The Effects of Favoritism
- The Consequences of Favoritism
- A great evil that awaits judgment
- A widespread problem that affects us all
Key Quotes
“It is the evil of giving to them that have and withholding from them that have not.” — A.W. Tozer
“This is a great evil and an iniquity that awaits the judgment of the great day.” — A.W. Tozer
“Let a man appear in a local Christian fellowship and let him be one whose fame is bruited abroad, whose presence will add something to the one who entertains him, and immediately a score of homes will be thrown open and every eager hospitality will be extended to him.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be aware of our own tendency to show favoritism and make a conscious effort to treat all people with equal respect and kindness.
- We should not let fame or popularity dictate how we treat others, but rather seek to serve and include those who are unknown and obscure.
- We must acknowledge our own guilt and humility in the face of this great evil, and seek to make amends and do better in the future.