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Respect of Persons

            The Bible greatly addresses the stumbling block issue of the undue respect of persons; it is a concern almost every one of us deals with at times. We hold someone in high enough regard that we do not perfectly obey the Lord, or tell them the truth. “Getting along” with others is commendable, but only as far as the Word of God takes it. We must look to the entire Bible for instruction and example. Then through this God shows us the actions He expects from us, and the reaction that will come from our obedience.

            One thing that angers me greatly, is the number of professing Christians that live by a creed of getting along with everyone all the time. This is a denial of Jesus Christ! It mocks what God showed us in His Word, and the earthly ministry of Jesus, and the blood of countless saints. The “feel-good” gospel of today often promotes such blasphemy. Then sincere believers get discouraged when encountering opposition, thinking they have done something wrong.

            Respect of persons rears its head in numerous situations. We need to be alert and aware of these so that Satan will get no advantage over us (II Corinthians 2:11). Some of these are in regard to; 1) Family; 2) Friends/Acquaintances; 3) Political leaders; 4) Religious/church leaders; 5) The Educated; 6) The wealthy (worldly success); and 7) The Elderly. We will look more deeply at each of these areas.

            How does God feel about respecting persons? He does show us and tell us in many ways. Of course, we know that all mankind is in need of salvation—and that through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Galatians 3:22

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Galatians 2:8,9

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

            So we all start out on equal footing with our Creator. He is glad for our obedience, and merciful as we grow or fall short. Yet our works will achieve nothing in the eternal status of our soul and spirit. And of course many works deal only with material things and fleeting earthly status.

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor. Leviticus 19:15

How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. Job 34:19

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. Proverbs 28:21

For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Colossians 3:25

            See also Deuteronomy 1:17, 16:19; II Samuel 14:14; II Chronicles 19:7; Proverbs 24:23; Isaiah 17:8 Acts 10:34; Ephesians 6:9; I Peter 1:17.

            Think also about whom God chooses; He chose the shepherd David, the youngest of eight brothers, to lead Israel and bring our messiah through his lineage. When Jesus arrived on earth, shepherds in the field were the only ones notified! As Jesus later called His disciples, the strong first part of them were fishermen (Peter, Andrew, John, James). Now let’s look more closely at these areas which challenge us in how to regard persons.

1)               Family:  Families are very diverse in their closeness, though often blood line relations are served dutifully despite our better judgment. The Bible never tells us to be unconditionally supportive on anyone, let alone family. Honestly, every human being is ultimately related to one another through Adam and Eve.

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26

            Pretty strong, isn’t it? It compares greatly with Matthew 10:34-37:

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:34-37

            It is unlikely that Jesus is telling us to literally hate our family. Yet that is how far above them our love and service for Christ is to be! Think of the possibilities for conflict. Perhaps one of your children is telling you to stop speaking of the Lord because it embarrasses them. A spouse may say “if you really love me, you’ll stop this kind of witnessing—that’s for paid evangelists to do, anyway.”

            What about parents? A father may be pressing you into a career of education other than how you have been spiritually led.

            Maybe pressure comes to accept sinful relationships within your family, like homosexuality or even and man and woman living together outside of marriage. You may be accused of being unloving, but God tells us how to respond to these issues, and to separate from them.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. I Corinthians 5:11

            As we face difficult situations within family, they will each be unique and require “prayerful” consideration. Be certain the leading you get lines up with God’s Word!

2)               Friends/Acquaintances:  This encompasses a broad range, from the very close to merely circumstantial associations. Those very close would be considered more like family relations.

            So much is done not to offend those around us; this is an unbiblical priority. As believers, we are accountable to present salvation through Jesus Christ to those around us (Ezekiel 3:18, Mark 16:15). All of the prophets, apostles, and Jesus himself offended a great many!

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:11,12

            Respect toward a friend is proper when you have already presented the truth, and you are then asked to stop. Salvation is a work of God, not man! If your stance is known, you then have the chance to share the difference Christ makes in your life every day. People want to see faith in a real God!

            Pray for God to make opportunities for witnessing with specific people in specific places. You’ll be amazed at what He presents! He may also leave those doors closed; trust in the Lord, He will protect you (Proverbs 3:5,6).

            Because we are shown plainly to witness from God’s Word, we cannot deny it based on the word of men. God’s Word overrules all other authority! Life on this earth is fleeting, and you may be the only chance someone has to find true salvation.

            Years ago, I worked making and delivering outdoor wood furniture. As I regularly visited one particular dealer, I became convicted to share the gospel with them. Due to time demands, I left some tracts (Chick.com) which they discovered later. After another week or so, one of the workers came up to me with obvious interest. I responded by giving him contact information if he wished to talk more. Three weeks later he was killed in a car crash, keeping the appointment he could not reschedule. Did he receive salvation? Did I do enough? We are not promised tomorrow, therefore now is the time for salvation.

            Through prayer, I came to believe that God wanted to use this time to convey the truth and urgency regarding salvation—not to accuse me. But if we do not share, we are accountable.

3)               Political Leaders:  A certain respect of government is appropriate, but never outside of God’s instructions. Some would quote from Romans chapter 13 as a defense for always obeying every law. However there is no place in scripture that tells us to honor mankind’s laws above God’s! I Peter 2:13 says it like this, “submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake:…” Ordinances of man would be taxes, curfews, driving regulations, etc. If the governmental laws condone abortion and homosexual unions, they must be opposed. If laws forbid evangelizing lost souls and teaching students about creation, they must be opposed. That is to say we protest and do not comply—we never respond violently (Matthew 26:52, John 18:36).

            The Bible gives us plentiful examples of “disrespect” toward political authority when obeying the Lord. You will find some of these in I Kings 18:18, 22:8-14; II Kings 3:13,14; Daniel 3:15-18; Matthew 14:2-4;

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:28,29

4)               Religious Leaders/Church Leaders:  Many esteemed religious leaders are known and revered internationally. Local church leaders are also often regarded with undue respect.

            Believers need to be warned about false teachers within various churches. Some are directly planted there by affiliations which oppose Biblical Christianity. Others are seduced by worldly teachings (or official denominational positions), and have lost the true faith that they once had. God warns us of this repeatedly, especially through Paul.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:28-30

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. II Corinthians 11:13-15

            It amazes me how many still acknowledge these verses as true, yet deny that it could happen within their church!

            Matthew 7:21-23 refers to men of professed faith which have done great works in Jesus’ name—yet they were still lost! See our articles on Eternal Security, which show how we must be vigilant in clinging to our faith. Over and over the Bible warns us about falling away, and this should be taken seriously. Look at what the Word says in Ezekiel 33:13:

When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Ezekiel 33:13

            There is a great and famous evangelist that I was disturbed by for many years. He is loved and embraced by heads of state and religious leaders all over the world; his visits are heralded and anticipated with apparent joy by the great majority.

            Still, no matter what he claims to be, he fails an important Biblical test:  is a servant greater than his Lord?

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Matthew 10:24,25

            See also John 15:18-20, Matthew 5:11,12. What about the opposite end of the criteria, which would be great approval?

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. Luke 6:26

            To speak against Billy Graham can be almost worse than blaspheming God—but Mr. Graham was born a sinful human like everyone else. By believing the Word I knew something was wrong long before knowing the particulars. For more information I suggest the book Billy Graham and His Friends by Cathy Burns. In it you will find Billy’s unholy affiliations, compromises, and unbiblical beliefs (Galatians 1:8). However his faith started, Mr. Graham left it long ago. His “revivals” are not what they seem. And we must always remember that salvation is a work of God, and not man. Whatever you do, never put a leader on a pedestal of reverent admiration. Each of us is imperfect, and we must answer to God according to His Holy Word.

5)               The Educated:  It seems much respect goes to individuals with earthly titles or degrees. So when these present viewpoints which disagree with scripture, we can be hesitant in standing up to them. But isn’t the Holy Ghost above every way of man? We must believe in faith and stand up for the Word! If we become their followers, trouble lies ahead.

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.  Matthew 15:12-14

            If these educated ones are confronted, the usual response is defensiveness—not repentance. They declare good, Godly reasoning for their actions; whether or not the Word supports it!

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:7-9

            God has always chosen men of low estate, and here is why it is such;

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. I Corinthians 1:18-21

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. I Corinthians 1:25-29

            Brothers and sisters, we must therefore hold each one accountable according to the Word of God. Only as one shows responsible reverence to the almighty can we take their views seriously. Think of the times you’ve encountered preaching/teaching which rips apart God’s Word and redefines it! Such ones are in danger of eternal damnation; for the Word is the work of the Holy Ghost (II Peter 1:20,21); and to blaspheme the Holy Ghost is the unpardonable sin (Mark 3:28,29). I believe that if this is done ignorantly, with sincere repentance one will be forgiven. But to continually place one’s self above the Holy Ghost in re-writing God’s Word is an indicator of a fundamentally corrupt spiritual condition (Luke 16:10).

            Speaking of undue respect for the well educated also strongly applies to religious leaders. Bible schools and seminaries were targeted long ago by Satan! Many lose their faith while attending (I was one); as they are taught about the Bible’s “shortcomings” and why we shouldn’t believe much of it. But we find this in Psalms 12:6,7;

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. Psalms 12:6,7

            True wisdom comes from God (James 1:5), and we must lightly regard those whose spiritual house is not founded upon the rock of His Word (Matthew 7:24-27).

6)               The Wealthy/Successful:

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Matthew 4:8,9

            Satan is clearly recognized as the god of this world. Nothing attests to this more plainly than what we see here in the temptation of Christ. Many is the celebrity who will “thank God” for their success—but which god is it? The ends do not ever justify the means, and the devil is many times the power behind the blessing.

            This category is broadly based, and includes musicians, movie and TV stars, sports heroes, and various businessmen. Simply because an individual excels in one area does not mean they have good sense over many areas. Many openly promote sin and defiance of Godly values. We need to know the Word thoroughly to be certain our discernment is keen and aware. Yet because these have earned earthly stature (temporary), many choose to “respect” their position! Perhaps they are even treated favorably and allowed to speak in church due to their celebrity status.

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James 2:2-5

            And don’t be taken in if they are professing a “faith” in God—the devils also believe, and tremble (James 2:19). Remember that Jesus warned us not to be deceived in these last days because of the many false Christs which would arise. You may have an appreciation for the individuals talents/abilities, but remember that all have sinned and fall short (Romans 3:10-12).

7)               The Elderly:  Some are afforded great leeway and respect due to their age. Certainly it is appropriate to deal with them courteously, but unconditional acceptance/approval of all they do and say is unbiblical. Many today rebel in the flesh, which is part of our sinful nature. This must be brought before Christ in submission.

            Some would quote these words from I Timothy 5:1:

Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father;… I Timothy 5:1a

            False doctrines, incorrect teachings, arise from choosing a single verse or two. These are usually taken out of context and ignore many other passages in God’s Word. The nature of this verse in context is the basic instruction for the treatment of different church members in a general way. These verses mention elders, younger men, elder women, younger women, and widows. Later in the chapter we read:

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. I Timothy 5:19-21

            The Bible is plentiful in examples of the younger favored over the elder. Jacob was the one of whom God built the nation of Israel; not older brother Esau. Joseph was the second youngest of twelve brothers. David was the youngest of eight brothers. Even with Timothy it is written:

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. I Timothy 4:12

            Yet a great example of proper respect and response comes from Elihu in Job chapter 32. We read in verses 4,6,7;

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he…And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Job 32:4…6,7

            With these comments Elihu shows that he had been waiting for his elders to speak first. It was patient and respectful, but he knew better than to hold his tongue when their answers had fallen short. We read on;

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Job 32:8

            Elihu takes time to acknowledge God as the true source of understanding. He will not accept that one is wise simply because they are old; nor is he vaunting himself as especially insightful. He declares that God is the real supplier of wisdom! God shows Elihu to conclude it this way;

Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. Job 32:9

            The Holy Spirit in a true believer makes an enormous difference with any individual, but especially those who are elder in the faith and/or years. My wife and I helped my grandmother greatly for the last several years of her life (she was 91 at passing). She had a belief in God, but He made no difference in her life. We knew that she was far from salvation, and had long ago made her decision on what to do with Christ. There are times as believers you will be shown there is nothing else to be done for an individual spiritually. At any rate, her age added no wisdom; and it was painful to deal with. More on this in a future newsletter.

            We need to reverence the Word of God enough that we heed every word the Lord has given us, even if it is illuminating unpleasant possibilities. It is for our protection, and every instruction we get from God is really for our good (Hebrews 12:11).

            Remember to first examine yourself before the Lord in prayer. This is the real message in Matthew 7:1-5. Removing the beam from our own eye, praying and studying the Word to be sure of our stand. I am not talking about being perfect, for no one ever can or will be while here in the flesh. But sometimes our own life’s circumstances interfere with our ability to discern clearly. Then, when confident in the Lord, go forward.

            Also remember that the Bible shows us the majority is usually wrong. It is nice to have several people in your corner, but at times you might have to stand alone (for awhile; not forever!). It is especially true in these last days, almost no faith is left (Luke 18:8).

            Jesus said that few would find the gate that leads to life (Matthew 7:14). Elijah faced 850 false prophets without another person to stand by him. The prophet Micaiah (I Kings 22) alone knew the truth—opposing 400 who prophesied lies! So you see, we are talking about an extreme minority which stand in the right. At this end time, the whole world will wonder after the beast. The great majority will be killing the few believers which remain. That same majority will be eternally lost.

            With deceitful teachings and compromise so rampant in the organized churches of today, it is not easy to stand for the truth. You may be rejected and cast out even in the name of the Lord! See Isaiah 66:5, Matthew 5:11,12, and John 16:2. Even Jesus’ own kindred drove Him from their synagogue (church!) and tried to kill Him in Luke 4:28,29! This is a time of great spiritual darkness in the world; but our redemption is at hand (Luke 21:28)!

            So remember to fear the Lord first (Matthew 10:28), and not let someone’s high position (publically or personally) dissuade you from your heavenly duty (Luke 17:10). Many will not hear, but we must give them warning while there is still time.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. II Timothy 4:2-5