
INTIMACY WITH GOD IS NOT FAVORITISM.
“Then Peter opened his mouth and said, ‘In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality.‘” (Acts 10:34)
When considering the different levels of intimacy with God, one might ask: Does God distinguish between His children? If so, wouldn’t that be favoritism? Know this—God has no “favorite” children. He does not prefer some people over others, except those who have succeeded in becoming His close friends. Intimacy with God is not achieved through favoritism. No! For God shows no partiality.
In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, the Lord compares the Church to a great house containing various kinds of utensils. Some are for honorable use, while others are for common use. In the Church of God, there are “common-use” Christians and “honorable-use” Christians. The “usefulness” of each Christian is not arbitrarily determined by the Lord but is shaped by the individual’s attitude toward God and the world. Indeed, intimacy is always earned.
No one will open their heart to you if they do not trust you; trust, after all, must be earned through one’s attitude. Consider Saul, for example. He was rejected by God because of his disobedience and pride, even though he was chosen and anointed by God. The value God places on you does not depend on whether He has chosen you, your social status, or your wealth. It is determined by your level of intimacy with Him.
If you have children, you will naturally love them all equally and do everything possible to ensure they have the same opportunities for success. However, it is possible that one of them takes a particular interest in you, obeys you in everything, never fails to show their appreciation through gifts, and pays special attention to you.
Of course, you will love all your children, but you will eventually feel a special bond with the one who demonstrates the most attachment to you. That child may even become your friend, perhaps even your confidant. The Lord saved all of us at the same price, and God shows no partiality (Ephesians 6:8-9). Yet, some of God’s children love Him more than others. They spend more time with Him. Their love for God is shown through their offerings, consecration, and burning desire to do the Lord’s will. They eventually become “friends of God.” Yes, intimacy with God must be earned.
PRAYER: Lord, grant me the necessary abilities to qualify as Your intimate friend. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
To meditate on: Genesis 18:17; Galatians 2:6
This text is an excerpt from the book “Daily Devotions 4: DEVELOPING INTIMACY WITH GOD (1)” written by Mohammed SANOGO.
We invite you to read the following article: “WITHOUT GOD, NO GLORY”.
FAVORITISM. FAVORITISM.
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