Favoritism?!

Favorites, I don't play favorites, I like everyone that is just like me. That is a comment I heard a few years back, I first thought it was funny and then I realized it was very true. When we think of favoritism we think of money, and things, and nepotism in the business world. These are major problems in society and in churches unfortunately. We are guilty of it in ways we don't realize. I can remember as a young youth pastor being excited when athletes would come to our youth group.I had a lot of smart kids, a lot of big time video games, and some band kids but not too many athletes. Then, they started coming, and I was excited and I know for a fact that if we had 2 visitors, one being an athlete and the other not an athlete I probably showed favoritism toward that athlete. I could carry a conversation more easily with them, I had more in common with them, and I liked having them around. I dreamed of having a youth ministry full of athletes(which I now have and see the down sides to, be careful what you pray for!) and being able to reach sports teams through sports. I was guilty of favoritism.
I can confess I have never been one to show favoritism towards people of affluence, or money or power that has never been me. But it happens in the church world, people who give a lot contribute to the well being of the church and therefore at times get more attention and have more say in the things of the church. That bothers me a lot, I want people leading and making decisions because they are passionate about it and love the Lord and that is the criteria.
James 2:8-9 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself" , you are doing right. But if you show favoritism you sin.
So now we see that by showing favoritism we are sinning against God, and all sins weigh out the same on God's scale. The root of favoritism is selfishness, and no one wants to be selfish or called selfish.
Favoritism is inconsistent with Christ's teachings, it results from evil thoughts, and it is a by-product of selfish motives. To be in a setting that you control and that is like you is a selfish driven hypocritical atmosphere. Every time we long for these things we are sinning against God and His will for all of the world to know Him as Lord and Savior.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!