Today’s Reading, Deuteronomy 14-16
Focal Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:19 “Do not deny justice or show partiality to anyone. Do not accept a bribe, for it blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.”
Giving favoritism to certain groups or individuals never goes over very well. If we stop and think about this long enough, I believe we all can tell stories of this happening. Maybe you were the beneficiary or maybe you were on the other side of this practice. Either way it is immoral and unbiblical. Why? Because it denies justice to those who need to receive it from the Lord. I once witnessed an individual that showed partiality to a certain group of people because it benefited him personally. He would be nice to them publicly while mocking them privately. He would treat others horribly and then turn on the charm to win over the masses.
In today’s reading we see this problem addressed from scripture. God tells Moses not to deny justice to those who deserve it in their lives. This means they should be held accountable for their actions and their sins. The Lord also rebuked partiality, which is to favor a person or a group over others. God has an expectation that everyone is treated the same regardless of status or stature. Then the Lord brings up receiving bribes. Which at first glance might seem odd but goes along with justice. Because if you can be bribed you can deny justice to others when it is difficult to have high standards.
So what is the take away from believers today? It is to not show partiality to any person or group. It is the attitude that everyone should be treated the same, no matter if they can benefit you as an individual or not in your daily walk. This attitude requires high standard and morality. It is not a character trait that many people care to have, because it is costly.
I challenge you today to treat all people the same. It doesn’t matter if they are great or if they are small. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Everyone deserves fair treatment and that only happens when people surrender their desires to the Lord. I can’t tell you how often people reflect on how they are treated. When they are treated with fairness they tell serval people. However, if they are wronged they tell everyone that will listen.
The sin of partiality divides and destroys relationships. It creates classes and divisions. Thankfully, the opposite is true as well. Treating people faithfully and with respect opens doors for the gospel. Ask yourself, if you are guilty of treating others better than they deserve. If not, that can be remedied today.
Treat all people with love and respect, especially those you disagree with in this life. We should be proponents for truth that is shared with grace.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Deuteronomy 17-20
