“And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.” Ephesians 6.9
Some people say God has favorites. Those who believe in predestination believe only a select are chosen to get into heaven and be saved. But I believe God loves and has room in heaven for all people. Whereas he knows the outcome of our lives, he gives all people the ability to chose and follow him. Each one of us is God’s favorites.
Sometimes children joke about being the “favorite” child. My older sister and I tease about this from time to time. But in truth, we know we are both dearly loved and supported by our parents. We are secure in who we are and loved completely by our parents and by the Lord. Favoritism does not exist in Gods Kingdom.
And so, we find Paul not only discussing favoritism, but also masters and slaves. Paul suggests to those who had slaves (which we certainly do not endorse) to treat them with respect. This goes for bosses or anyone in authority. For God is Master of all people both here and now and in heaven. As Paul says, God has no favorites.
Its a good lesson for us to learn submission to God and to others. Even those with great power and influence are subject to the Lord. Those who are authoritarian must also submit to God, who loves and cares for all people.
This is a word about submission as much as it is about chosenness. It’s word that we all are under the Lordship of Christ and we are as 1 Peter 2.9 says, “…. a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
To whom do you need to submit this day? To whom do you need to show kindness? No matter our rank or position, each of us are under Christ who is over all things. Let us live securely as God’s chosen people loving all as Christ has loved us.
“O Lord God, you want each of us to feel as though we are your favorite. And yet it was your son who died so we might have life. He certainly is your Chosen and we, in turn, are his. Thank you Lord for loving us. Thank you for the mercy shown to us that we might show mercy. Come now, Holy Spirit, find us willing and able. For this is the day that you have made and I will rejoice in it. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen