"Playing Favorites"

"...God does not show favortism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." Acts 10:34b-35

In our humanness, it is sometimes hard to wrap our minds around the fact that God has no favorites. He, with no impartiality, accepts everyone who fears His name and lives according to His Word.

I must admit, sometimes I struggle with insecurity in this area. I may look at others and see how they are growing in their faith or what they are accomplishing for the Lord, and think in the back of my mind, "They must be one of God's favorites!" The next day my thoughts might be turned the other way around. I might strive to do things without checking the motives in my heart and realize, I am secretly trying to earn a spot on "God's Favorites" list. In reality, these are foolish lies I am buying in to; deception from the enemy himself.

Truth is, according to God's Word (the standard by which I am to live my life by), God does not play "favorites". Hard as it is to comprehend some days, we are looked upon with favor, but not in such a way that one person is elevated above another. God's Word says in Psalm 5:12, "For surely You, O LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor." 

To be surrounded with favor means to be guarded on every side as with a shield. "...the favor of God is to the saints a defense on every side." (Matthew Henry)  It is meant to be a place of divine protection. A place I can feel safe and satisfied. As God's child I am favored...and so are you!

Lord Jesus, Help me to understand that Your favor is a form of protection in my life. A place of security and satisfaction. Help me to be satisfied in being favored by You! In Jesus' name I pray, amen.