1 Corinthians 1:11-13 New International Version (NIV)
11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas[a]”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
I start off with that verse which harkens to Bible times when early Christians thought they were better off than others depending on which team they followed. And it is still happening today. Each time I see a church bumper sticker I remember this verse…as if we are competing against one another.
It was brought up in an adult Bible class which I attend. One person remarked “I am so glad we don’t play favorites!” And in the back of my mind I thought, but we do play favorites!
Favoritism happens anytime a high school graduate announces what college they are going to and what major they’re perusing. Going to the designated Christian school that your youth minister / pulpit minister went to? That’s a gold star. Bonus points applied if your major is Bible.
However if a high school grad goes to a state school, it is frowned upon….even going as far as some treating state school freshmen as those who will ultimately being lost spiritually.
And whether or not this favoritism is intentional or subconsciously subtle, it is wrong. Not everyone is made to be Bible majors, Bible teachers, or youth ministers. Some want to quietly minister behind the scenes at church in their own way while perusing a secular career.
And realize this: Those who choose a secular career are given much more opportunity to minister to the lost compared to clergy.
We need to refrain from playing favorites, from gasping when a young person pursues a secular career. We must come together as the body of Christ without respect to one’s alma mater or career.