God Shows No Partiality

Text: Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism (partiality) (Acts 10:34).

What does it mean to show favoritism or to be partial?

If we do not treat people equally, but instead show more kindness, consideration, and respect for some and not for others, then we are showing favoritism. Also, when we do for some and not for others, we are being partial to a certain person or to a certain group people.

Favoritism can and does occur in a number of places. For example, favoritism can occur within a family. For whatever reason, a son can be favored over a daughter or visa-versa. The first-born child might receive more attention and material possessions than the other children in the family.

A child with a physical defect could be singled-out and treated different, either positive or negative or better or worse, than another child in the same family. In some cases, the healthy child is treated better and receives more consideration than the child who has a physical ailment.

Children are given different talents. Some children are good at singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, doing gymnastics, swimming, playing sports, or maintaining high scholastic standings. At times, children with certain talents are placed on a pedestal by their family, teachers, or instructors.

I am not saying this is bad, but what I am saying is children who do not have these talents or gifts should not be looked down-on by their parents, peers, or other children.

God has given each person a special gift or talent and it sometimes takes a while for that gift to surface. We are all God’s children and He has blessed each of his children with a gift for them to use to His glory.

Ephesians 4:11 says, “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers…” We have not been given the same gift or talent for service. However, we are to use the gift or gifts He gave us to build His kingdom here on earth.

There is not one of God’s children who is more important than another. He loves each one of us with His unconditional love. We all have a sinful nature and we are all sinners. Romans 3:23 says, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”

God does not single out some as sinners and some as righteous. The word “all” is inclusive and means no one is left out. We are justified by grace and we have been redeemed by the shed blood of Jesus.

Moses spoke to the Israelites told them what God expects of them. He said they are to: “…fear the LORD you God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands…” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).

These words apply to us today just as much as they applied to the Israelites centuries ago. God expects the same of us as He expected of Israelites. At times people say they try to please God, but it seems too difficult.

After a period of time, people revert to the ways of the world and start to follow rules and regulations set up by man. People will never find real peace if they do not follow God’s commands.

Moses went on to say, “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes” (Deuteronomy 10:17).

Since God is the god of all gods and has such mighty power, He cannot be bribed by anyone. There are people in the world today who worship other gods.

Some people place money before God. Money is the most important item to them and they put all their energy and strength into acquiring more and more of it.

Other people are focused on climbing the corporate ladder to what they think leads to success and wealth. Attending all the meetings and social functions dictated by corporate management gives people a false sense of security for their destiny. People fail to realize that putting God first in their life and letting Him direct their steps is the key to their happiness and peace of mind.

Sooner or later each one of us will face the Master and we will have to answer for all that we have done. We cannot work our way into heaven. In other words, God will not look at all the time and effort we spent on worldly endeavors, but He will look at our heart to see if it is a repentant heart and a heart that has accepted His Son as our personal Lord and Savior.