On today’s episode, Gary and Christy discuss the topic of Financial Favoritism in the church. Showing favoritism means that we provide unfair preferential treatment to one individual at the expense of another individual.  Favoritism is a concept we’ve all seen play out in the world. In addition, the Scriptures tell us of many instances where favoritism occurred, although the Bible often uses the word partiality instead.

The Bible also warns Christians against showing partiality, particularly financial favoritism, in James 2. Since the Holy Spirit saw fit to include this warning, it stands to reason it’s something Christians need to be on guard about. We may struggle with this without even realizing it. We can fall prey to showing unfair preferential treatment to those at the expense others, based on how much money they do (or do not) have.

Signs we may be showing financial favoritism:

1. We notice and pay attention to those with perceived wealth, and we tend to ignore those who don’t seem to have as much.

2. We create a clique, where we only spend time with people in a certain socioeconomic class to the exclusion of others.

3. We think of ourselves as “better” or “more righteous” than someone who appears to have fewer monetary possessions than we do.

4. We view material wealth as a sign of righteousness.

5. We really focus on our outward appearance for worship – making sure we have the newest clothes, the right hairstyle, etc.

6. We show more concern about the thoughts/feelings of those who are wealthy than the thoughts/feelings of those who are not.

7. We’re eager to meet the needs of the rich, but we’re hesitant to meet the needs of the poor.

8. We think that money = power. Those who put more money in the contribution plate should have more power in the church.

9. And lastly, we are suspicious of anyone who has material wealth, and we assume they are lovers of money.

How do we overcome financial favoritism?

1. Decide a person’s value by determining how much worth God has placed into their soul instead of how much is in their bank account.  
2. Talk to people that you don’t have a close relationship with.
3. Acknowledge our differences in Christ – Galatians 3:26-28
4. Humble ourselves in order to promote unity