The Boomerang of Favoritism

1 Samuel 1:4-7

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a literal boomerang is “a bent or angular throwing club typically flat on one side and rounded on the other so that it soars or curves in flight especially: one designed to return near the thrower.” The second definition is even more intriguing and relatable stating a boomerang is “an act or utterance that backfires on its originator.” Certainly, we all have experience this! We did or said something with good intentions only to experience the pain of it backfiring and causing far more damage than good. Notice how the boomerang of favoritism backfires on Elkanah.

And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: ⁵ But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb. ⁶ And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb. ⁷ And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.^[1]

ELKANAH PRACTICED FAVORITISM—HE WAS PARTIAL TOWARDS HANNAH.  Favoritism can backfire in painful ways giving energy to anger, resentment, envy, retaliation and rivalry.

The mentioning that Elkanah had two wives relates to Hannah’s story. His having two wives would suggest that polygamy was permitted and practiced to some extent among the Israelites. It served several purposes; chiefly polygamy gave greater assurance that a man would have a son to keep his name alive. Often, when the first wife did not produce a male offspring, a second wife would be taken. This may have been the case in this story. The problems of this practice are illustrated in the rivalrous relationship of Hannah and Peninnah and the unhappiness that resulted. While our society does not sanction polygamy, many of the same kinds of problems are created by serial marriages.^[2]

Favoritism does indeed spawn a series of unhappy relational developments wherever it is practiced by some unwary soul. While polygamy and favoritism are the obvious culprits, other questions need to be carefully examined also….

     1.  Was This a Curse from God?

Twice in this text we’re told that “the LORD had shut up” Hannah's womb (1Sam. 1:5-6). Does this mean that Hannah was cursed by God and that her barrenness resulted from some specific sin in her own life? I don't think so.

Like the man born blind that John described in his gospel (John 9:1—3), it simply indicates that God is sovereign, even in our physical problems. Though God had warned the children of Israel He would cause barrenness among them if they disobeyed Him (Deut. 28:4, 18), we have no strong evidence in this story that Hannah was the victim of this curse. She was probably unable to bear children just as many women—even Christian women today—have difficulty conceiving. (G. Getz)

     2.  Was it Good to Show Hannah Favor?   Vs. 5

On the other hand, Hannah no doubt felt despised and rejected by God, especially since her rival kept taunting her and reminding her of her condition. Perhaps Peninnah even paraded her own ability to have children as a blessing from God. Elkanah, however, did not view her in this way. He dearly loved Hannah. He demonstrated this love by giving her a “worthy portion” or a double provision of the meat.

The Book of James chapter 2 reminds us of some of the problems with favoritism (James 2:1-7).

1. It is inconsistent with the Christian Faith (1).

2. It leads to shallow assessments of people (2-3a).

3. It leads to preferential treatment for some (3).

4. It judges people by carnal standards (4).

5. It obscures and perverts sound judgment (5-7).

The Scriptures never present favoritism and partiality in a positive light! Like Elkanah, we sometimes have good intentions, but an unwise approach. The results is the boomerang!

In fact, favoritism among federal organizations and employees is a growing concern in recent years.

“The number of individuals reporting that they either observed or were personally affected by a [prohibited personnel practice] increased, from 34% of [Merit Principles Survey] respondents in 2010 to 46% in 2016,” the agency wrote. “In this same time period, [prohibited personnel practice] complaints to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel increased, from 2,415 to 4,124.” –Wagner, Erich, Government Executive (June 2019).

Wagner also observed,

 Sex-based discrimination increased the most of all prohibited personnel practices witnessed or experienced by survey respondents, increasing from 11.7% in 2010 to 19.9% in 2016. Race-based discrimination remained the most common prohibited personnel practice, at 20.6%, although discrimination based on race, age and disabilities all increased by more than 5 percentage points since 2010.The perceptions that an agency official gave an unfair advantage to a job candidate, which has consistently been the most widely perceived violation, increased by more than 8 percentage points, from 22% in 2010 to 30.6% in 2016. And perceptions of whistleblower retaliation grew from 8.1% in 2010 to 14.3% in 2016. (https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2019/06/growing-number-feds-think-theyve-seen-favoritism-other-prohibited-personnel-practices/157603/)

Mahoney points out that favoritism is a matter of law and ethics giving such practices legal gravity and suggesting serious consequences for such violations saying,

Favoritism and cronyism are two unfortunate aspects of federal employment that cannot be denied. The saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” appears to ring true, even in government workplaces. Favoritism, favoring a person because of a relationship or feature (likes and dislikes, ability to provide something they need or want, relationship with a higher-up, etc.) instead of because of the merit of their work. Cronyism, a narrower term, describes favoring someone because they are a friend or associate specifically. These types of favoring go against common, assumed workplace ethics, and against the transparency that government workplaces should be exhibiting with regard to hiring practices. –Mahoney, John P. Esq., Attorney at Law (March 20, 2019)

Clearly when favoritism, cronyism, or even nepotism are in play credibility is lost, trust is undermined, morale is tanked, and resentment between team members and coworkers is fueled! No, favoritism is never good; it’s a dangerous boomerang.

     3.  What Made Peninnah So Angry?    Vs. 6-7

Predictably, Elkanah’s attempts to love and encourage Hannah greatly angered Peninnah. Though she had provoked and irritated Hannah all along because of her barrenness, Peninnah “doubled” her efforts when Elkanah “doubled” Hannah’s portions. In fact, the Scriptures describe her as Hannah’s “adversary” who “provoked her sore” (1:6). Peninnah’s verbal abuse was so intense and painful for Hannah that she often burst into tears and became so emotionally distraught she couldn’t even eat a sign of intense anxiety and depression. To make matters worse, this went on “year by year” (1 Sam. 1:7). (G. Getz)

W. MacDonald observed, “Hannah would receive a double portion of the peace offering (vv. 3–5). But this drew forth stinging taunts from Peninnah. Year after year her barbs cut deeper and deeper….”^[3]

As parents, when we show favoritism in family situations, we create tensions that destroy oneness and unity. In fact, by doing so we establish the very elements that destroy any possible future harmony for our children. Many adult siblings struggle in their relationship one with another because of the way their parents favored one over the other. Feelings of inferiority, rejection and inadequacy are compounded over the years fueling hostility, rivalry and envy.  

             A.  Favoritism Always Creates Jealousy Which Always Leads to a Great Deal of Emotional Pain. This is once again illustrated in our present study. Hannah suffered terribly because of Elkanah’s favoritism. The Scriptures repeatedly warn of the relational difficulties of jealousy and envy, which are sometimes spawned by favoritism. The wise King Solomon and the grave Apostle Paul agree stating in  

Proverbs 14:30, that “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: But envy the rottenness of the bones.” Then in Galatians 5:26, Paul commands, “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Again and again we see this principle illustrated in the Old Testament. “Isaac loved Esau, ... but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Gen. 25:28). The results were devastating for this family and for these boys. When Jacob married, “he loved also Rachel more than Leah” (Gen. 29:30). Again, the results were disastrous pitting sisters against each other and this perpetuated the animosity between their children. Later, Jacob “loved him [Joseph] more than all his brethren.” Consequently, Joseph’s brothers “hated him and could not speak peaceably unto him” (Gen. 37:3-4). Rivalry, envy, and bitterness characterized Elkanah’s home just as with Sarah and Hagar in Abraham’s home (Gen. 16:4-5) and Leah and Rachel in Jacob’s home (Gen. 30:14-16). Favoritism is a nasty boomerang!

             B.  It Takes a Great Deal of Wisdom to Avoid this Mistake in Our Families. Avoiding favoritism does not mean we shouldn’t honor our children’s achievements and encourage them as individuals. However, we must do so in a way that causes all of our children to feel we’re being fair and impartial. We must be cognizant of the amount of time we spend with each child to ensure we do not give the perception of favoritism. Ensuring we have a fair and unbiased system of merit in place that is transparently communicated to all of our children is vital. Each child needs to understand the criteria and the consequences for violating the behavioral, performance, or attitudinal standards. In addition, they all need to see the standards painstakingly and consistently enforced by both parents or by the parent.  

It’s particularly difficult to practice this principle when some of our children are responsive to spiritual things and others are not. It’s at this point we need to seek counsel from someone who has wisdom far beyond our own—a person who can help us differentiate between refusing to condone a sinful lifestyle and being fair and impartial.

Ultimately the cure for favoritism is a biblically informed perspective on fairness and equity coupled with a careful observance of the Royal Law of Jesus Christ.

James 2:8, 9 says, If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: ⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. ^[4]

The “royal law” was initially prescribed to Israel in Leviticus 19:18 and affirmed for all Christians by Christ Jesus our King in Matthew 22:39. If we truly loved our neighbors as ourselves, we would treat them the way we would want to be treated. A believer motivated by such love will take pains to ensure fairness, equity, and good will are in play. Obedience to Christ’s Law, royal love absent of preferential advantages, is the solution to prejudicial favoritism and partiality. Real love in action stops the boomerang of favoritism from the very outset.

---

^[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Sa 1:4–7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

² Merriam-Webster Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boomerang

³ Chafin, K. L., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1989). 1, 2 Samuel (Vol. 8, p. 22). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.

^[3] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 297). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Jas 2:8–9). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

A Correct Attitude Towards Christ

Matthew 5:6-9

The Lord’s Beatitudes detail what it means to be “Blessed!” Many people claim to be “blessed and highly favored.” But if you probe deeply enough, “blessed” is usually associated with material gain—health and wealth. While these are great and desirable characteristics, they are not what our Lord Jesus was referring to. No, Christ Jesus has something far more substantial in view when He uttered the word “Blessed.”

You see the way to heavenly blessedness is the opposite of the worldly path normally followed in pursuit of happiness. It is quite natural reasoning that leads us to think happiness is found in riches, merriment, abundance, leisure, and such things. The truth is quite different when the Scriptures are consulted.

The Beatitudes give Jesus’ description of the character of true righteousness. They designate the attitudes that should mark each genuine Believer’s daily experience. The attitudes addressed in verses 6 through 9 are generally focused toward our Lord. While it has become common for folks to confess their disappointment, disbelief, anger, and frustration with the Lord, this passage enlarges upon holy feelings towards Him. Let us look at what He envisioned for us. Use this opportunity to examine your own heart…how do you feel towards our Lord Jesus?

A Right Attitude Towards Our Lord (Vv. 5:6–9).

We Are to Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness (5:6).

A blessing is pronounced on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: they are promised satisfaction.

The Role of Believers is Given (5:6 A): God Blesses Those Who Pursue Virtue, Moral Purity, Good Ethics, and Fairness.

We are to Have an Appetite or Passion for What is Right. There is in all healthy people the hunger for food, for love, for God. This beatitude, however, is a passionate hunger and thirst for goodness, for personal holiness. Righteousness refers to integrity, virtue, purity of life, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting. There is also a strong desire for justice where each person is given what he is due or has earned or deserve.  

Christ Calls Believers to Have a Passion for Righteousness. In our own lives; We should long to see honesty, integrity, and justice in society. We are to look for practical holiness in our church. Like the people of whom Gamaliel Bradford wrote, we should have “a thirst no earthly stream can satisfy, a hunger that must feed on Christ or die.”

We are Not to Desire Self-righteousness, nor Unfairness. We are to be the opposite of the self-righteous Pharisees. The Pharisees were not “righteous;” they felt they had attained righteousness. Therefore, they did not have a continual appetite or desire for it. They were more concerned with “legalities” of God’s law and their own laws than with being truly right in the heart with God and their fellowman. We're not to be prickly, perfect and proud about our morals. This simply feeds the self-righteous ego. Jesus spoke of those who seek God’s righteousness rather than attempting to establish a righteousness of their own.

Romans 10:3, For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Philip. 3:9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

This Spiritual Appetite is to be a Continuing Desire for Personal, Social, and Future Righteousness. 

Philip. 3:13-14, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Like the Apostle Paul, Christians growing closer to the Lord Jesus want what he wants. When evil happens, we hurt for victims and long for the end of evil's influence and strength. We want God's victory over evil to be complete soon—even now. We hunger for the end of trouble, for the full measure of God's peace and righteousness. Whenever you pray for God's will to be done, you are getting hungry for righteousness. Pray often, until the little hunger pangs become a holy passion and your heart becomes centered on what God wants most.

What about the natural man; does he hunger and thirst for righteousness? The ones I meet do not! They have a hunger for more sin.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2:14).

The “natural man” is in contrast to the spiritual man who has found that Christ is his righteousness—“…of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor.1:30).

The Reward of Believers is Given (5:6 B): We Will Receive Righteousness in Full.

The blessing to the hungry soul will be abundantly satisfied in Christ!

What We Seek, Righteousness, Will Fill Us; It Will Satisfy Our Hunger and Thirst for a Right Relationship with God.

When We Have This Intense Longing for Righteousness We are Blessed. Furthermore, filled means Satisfaction because we are so filled with God that we completely do God's will, without tripping up, careless sinning, making mistakes, and disappointing God. Filled relates to Satisfaction in total discipleship and complete obedience.

The idea is that God Will Completely Satisfy Our Spiritual Hunger and Thirst. There has never been a desire to be holy which God was not willing to gratify! Through the gospel and the power of the Spirit we have all we need to be truly holy. See Isa 55:1-3; 65:13; John 4:14; 6:35; 7:37-38; Ps 17:15.

Also in Christ’s Coming Kingdom: We Will Be Filled, For Righteousness Will Reign! All corruption will give way to the highest moral standards under the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, Ask the People of the World if they are Satisfied with what it Offers.

Ask the actress, surfeiting with fame and fortune, but peering out on life hungrily: “Are you getting what you want?” We could say to the eminently successful finacier who commands his fleets and controls his industries: “Are you getting what you want?”

We could say to the laborers and workers of America who are enjoying the highest standard of living in history: “Are you getting what you want?”

We could say to the consumers of America who have the best homes, the most comfortable furniture, the finest food, the cleverest gadgets, and the smoothest, most powerful automobile: “Are you getting what you want?””  ---The Secret of Happiness

Beloved, the desire to be “blessed” is likely universal to believers and non-believers alike. The way to deep abiding happiness cannot be obtain from sources in this world. No, the true source is the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, we must hunger and thirst for divine righteousness; this condition in the soul will secure the Lord’s blessing of being filled with righteousness! 

God Will Not Forget You!

Too often we sense acutely—suspicion—folks are habitually taking us for granted…. They just keep expecting, requiring, and demanding more from us without giving much back in return. “Why are others so fortunate to constantly receive benefits at my expense?” You protest. “When will it be my turn to receive for a change?” You complain. The inequities are extremely annoying. “This is not fair!” You exclaim. It sounds like someone feels a little too much like a doormat, used, and perhaps even abused…right? Well, I have good news…God has plans to reward you abundantly! Since you have poured out your life to enrich others, He will compensate you accordingly. God promises to personally ensure all you do for His glory will be properly rewarded at the appropriate time.

A Clear Promise

Several promises have been issued in the Bible to challenge us Believers to become all that God desires for us to be. Such promises should stir us to journey onward and progress further in our Lord’s service. In Hebrews 6:10, the writer reminds us that, “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love”. God will not forget your service that is rooted in godly love (Heb. 6:9, 10).  He will not fail to recall your industrious exertions for His Name’s sake. In fact God upholds this promise with His own impeccable character and perfect faithfulness. His unadulterated fairness, absolute reliability, and flawless memory forbid even a hint of forgetting or overlooking your efforts. Our obedience and persistence will bring Him glory and He deems this as something He can reward. Beloved, we could never receive greater assurance than this!

Assurance of Capability

The Lord Jesus will remember everything you do in service to Him and reward you accordingly (1 Cor. 3:10-15)! He is entirely aware of all your sweat, tears, adjustments, sacrifices, readjustments, efforts, complications, setbacks, break downs, restarts, advances, and struggles to maintain pace with the tasks He has designated for you. Always bear in mind that we are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Eph. 2:10). Clearly we are not saved by good works, but saved unto good works. He recreated us in the Lord Jesus with our pre-designated assignments in mind. We are fitted to the works, and the works are fitted to us! You can do anything and everything God calls you to do. You need to know and trust this deeply.

The Glory of God

Also recall how the Lord Jesus challenges us to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” (Matt 5:16). Again we engage in good works to glorify our great God Who is actually working in and through us to execute His wonderful will (Phil. 2:12, 13). The intent should never be to glorify or bring attention to ourselves. That would be sinful.

Christ Knows

Finally, the words of the glorious Christ spoken in The Revelation come to mind. “I know thy works” says the Lord Jesus to each of the churches in Asia (Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:8, 15). He knows fully! Our brilliant Savior totally recognizes how you have sacrificed time, energy, money, privileges, advantages, and opportunities to advance His will. He knows your struggles as you have sought to obey Him fully…He knows when your heart is in it and when it is not. He knows those who are opposing your efforts trying to frustrate you and His work…believe me, He really does know. Never-the-less, He will reward your faithfulness at the appropriate time; therefore, remain engaged for His glory and the good of your fellowman. Keep serving, helping, praying, singing, writing, supporting, witnessing, preaching, teaching, mentoring, equipping, exhorting, caring, counseling, loving people, challenging, modeling, encouraging, instructing, raising your family, evangelizing, giving, leading your home, and working to advance His plan through you. Consider the stirring words of the Apostle Paul, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).  Your industry, passion, and expertise are never ever expended in futility in the Lord Jesus. What a promise and encouragement to remain steadfast in service for His glory!!

A Second Mile Christian

Therefore, do not quit! Do not give up! Do not permit yourself to become frustrated or discouraged. While I realize you are hurting, Christ wants you to do this for Him. I realize you cannot continue for those trying to take advantage of you, but do it for Christ to sustain a testimony of His power and grace at work in you (Matt. 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36). Decide to do for the Lord Jesus what you would not normally do for anyone else…including yourself. Remember, the Lord Jesus was not only willing to become the doormat for the world; He actually did so at Calvary…even for me and you. It was not His honor that was most important—He looked beyond our faults and saw our need. Likewise, see the need of those around you. Look at them…do you see their need for Christ, a solid Christian testimony, an example of real devotion to God, and a life willing to be jerked out of its comfort zones to advance the cause of Christ? Let them see Christ radiantly shining fort from you. Through these challenges, transform your very interactions with them into a pulpit set ablaze by informed passion for Christ’s glory!

Overcoming Evil with Good

‘Bitterness’ and his cousin ‘Resentment’ are knocking at your front door greatly desiring a commanding influence in your heart. By the grace of God, refuse their entrance—there is no place for bitterness and resentment in Christ’s people. Yes, some may be trying to get over on you…thinking you are too stupid to detect what is happening…do not worry about that for now. God will judiciously handle this on your behalf. It is also true that others are only interested in using you…that is acceptable for now because God is using you in spite of them (Matt. 5:38-48). Heed the Apostle Paul’s counsel to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” that you may “please Him” Who selected you (see 2 Tim. 2:3, 4). Seek to please your Lord as His unique servant! Refuse to be conquered by evil; overcome their evil with God’s good through you (Rom. 12:21).

Use these promises to fuel your passion, inform your direction, inspire your faith, sustain your effectiveness, and refresh your energies. Allow them to stimulate your labors of love. People will fail to appreciate you down here, but still allow the love of Christ to compel and propel you (1 Cor. 13; Rom. 12). God will not forget you at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This you are roundly assured of by your faithful Heavenly Father.

The Most High God Rules!!

Have you ever been shocked by what you discovered about God from the Bible…what He is really like? I have...and I must admit a few of those 'discoveries' took me a while to accept and get use to. You see, without even realizing it we tend to formulate in our own minds what God is and what He is like. This is a mistake, because our ideas and conclusions often run contrary to the revelation of God in the Word. Understand we cannot simply think our way into a correction concept of God—no matter what your IQ is. God must reveal Himself to us, or we are left with no means or apparatus for ascertaining such lofty knowledge! Praise the Lord for His written revelation—The Scriptures! This post provokes us to think just a little about the God we think...we know....

Any serious reflection on the very nature of Almighty God is stunning to the human heart and mind. He really is far beyond our comprehension! The problem with so many of us is that we tend to want God's blessings, but are not really excited about His glorious Person. Many Christians crave God's blessings, but precious few seem to really want Him. We at times seem more excited about going to Heaven, than we are about going to be with God someday. The fact of the matter is that it really is all about Him. Too many Believers are frustrated with God, prayer, worship, and the Bible because they have created God in the image of Santa Claus or the Cosmic Easter Bunny. Such a perception of God is actually an erection of a blatant idol--an impostor. Yes, an erroneous idea about God is idolatry; this is true even if it only exists in our minds. While some are glad to view God as merciful, forgiving, kind, generous, and slow to anger, they are reluctant and even repulsed by the mere suggestion that He is holy, just, righteous, sovereign, and jealous. So, any serious meditations on God according to the Scriptures can be shocking to the average person.

This post is an honest attempt to feed our need to think about God in truth. Yes, some of these reflections are shocking, but they are also accurate portrayals of our Awesome God. This is not intended to be exhaustive, but only a suggested point of reflection about our great God. As you read the Word, look for, scrutinize, and validate these observations; it could change the way you read your Bible. More importantly, they could help you gaze into the glorious face of your Heavenly Father.

Some Serious Reflections on the Fact that the Most High God Rules and Overrules (Romans 9):

• ·        When we say Almighty God is in control, we are confessing His universal overarching rule
• ·        God not only makes great plans, formulate stunning strategies, and outline critical objectives, but He perfectly orchestrates their execution
• ·        God is within Himself the perfect absolute standard of unbiased fairness, pure justice, and righteousness; He appeals to no other for legitimacy
• ·        Some prerogatives belong exclusively to the Most High God, and people cannot influence Him at all; not even through prayer
• ·        God shows mercy to whomever He wants and is justified within Himself when He does so; He owes no one at all an explanation when He does or does not
• ·        The purest form of justice does not rest in our fair society, but in the Mighty God who chooses to act in righteous-mercy