By Neil S. WilsonTherefore, I have made you contemptible in the eyes of all the people; for you have not obeyed me, but you let your favorites break the law without rebuke. (Malachi 2:9 )
Favoritism reveals a destructive double standard. Malachi was angry at the priests because, though they were to be God’s messengers, they did not know God’s will. And this lack of knowledge caused them to lead God’s people astray. Their ignorance was willful and inexcusable. The priests had allowed influential and favored people to break the law. The priests were so dependent on these people for support that they could not afford to confront them when they did wrong. In your church, are certain people allowed to do wrong without criticism? There should be no double standard based on wealth or position. Let your standards be those presented in God’s Word. Playing favorites is contemptible in God’s sight (read James 2:1-9 ).
