WITHOUT PARTIALITY. 1st Timothy 5:21. Differences of opinion among people often stem from varying personalities and expectations. While differing perspectives on an issue can cause division, gossip and malicious intent must be halted. When a rebuke is necessary, the goal remains the same: correction and restoring appropriate behavior. Correcting those who misuse their position is challenging, but sometimes it is essential. The well-being of an assembly takes precedence over personal friendships and family reputation. Any disciplinary action must be fair and free from favoritism. Although standards of leadership are high, they must be upheld.
Any matter in the lives of believers is important, but when God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the holy angels are witnesses to a charge, there is no greater urgency than to do what is right. The outcome of an issue affects not only us here on earth but also in heaven; assembly life is being observed. We should not hesitate to do what is right when we realize we are under divine scrutiny and being watched by angels.
“Elect angels” contrast rebellious fallen angels who chose to follow Lucifer when he wanted to be like God. Satan seeks to undermine and destroy the work of God by creating conditions for division among God’s people. Discipline must be exercised in an assembly but should be done without prejudice or partiality.
When godly, faithful, trustworthy, mature, and impartial men handle leadership responsibilities, the assembly can operate in fellowship and harmony. The testimony of believers in a community is effective when the purposes for which an assembly exists are fulfilled through unity and cooperation among all involved.
When considering a person's qualifications for leadership, or when someone moves into our area among us, we should act promptly and carefully in assigning them a leadership position. It is important to observe their attitude and actions, and to evaluate their words and behavior to ensure they align with the assembly's testimony. Waiting for assurance that this person's interest and abilities are motivated by the Holy Spirit, for the benefit of the saints, is both reasonable and necessary. We are all responsible for maintaining our moral and spiritual integrity and remaining above reproach. Recognition can be given after a probationary period.
Individuals of the highest order and supreme intelligence observe us when we make decisions or even in small events. God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ know everyone's attitudes and thoughts. The chosen angels, whose actions are holy, see the results of our choices.
When it comes to caring for widows, we must be very clear because our Father in Heaven has a special concern for widows and orphans. Being wise in refusing one assistance while helping another may seem unfair to some people who pride themselves on being tolerant of everyone. We tend to make biased decisions, especially if we favor one more than the other or if one is of a different race or culture.
Some elders we prefer over others because they are our kinfolks, and we share a special natural bond with them. We might ignore the advice of some, paying attention only to those who seem most like us in their opinions and thoughts. It is not right to look for flaws as a reason to dismiss a man’s advice and leadership. I am to submit to his scriptural leadership and to those who may be closer to me in nature and personality. Sometimes, there is a tendency for us to play favorites. Partiality often shows toward those who are smart, rich, or highly educated. The station in life one holds in the world should not be a reason to favor one person over another when situations arise.
It is important that we honor people we know for who they are in Christ. If we remember this in each situation that arises, we won’t have to address it twice. The older saints deserve our respect for their years but are no more significant than the young. Conversely, we may prefer the young and active, forgetting what the older have done and ignoring their years of experience. The principle to follow in leading the Lord’s people is remembering the One who leads us. We do well to remember those observers who watched and entrusted us with this trust; we must not abuse the authority given to us. Those we are called to lead and guide are children of the living God. The Word of the Lord must guide any activity we do for them.