But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.
(Galatians 2:4-6, NASB)
As I meditated on these words and prayed for the Spirit’s words for you, I realized I could focus on one of several ideas: false brethren bringing us into bondage; not yielding to those speaking lies; or making certain the gospel remains in us.
But what really caught my eye and touched my heart were the words, “God shows no partiality.”
Stop a moment and read over those words again. “God shows no partiality.” None.
We tend to revere those who are smarter or richer or more talented than we are. Somehow they seem to be better or greater. Even in the Christian community, we look at those such as Billy Graham or Beth Moore or Charles Spurgeon—or Paul, and think they’re more spiritual than we are or are closer to God.
God doesn’t see us that way. He doesn’t look at how famous we are or how much money we’ve donated to worthy causes. He doesn’t care if our name has been on the cover of countless books or if we’ve had our own radio or television show.
He cares about our hearts. He cares about our motives. Just as Jesus commended the widow for giving all she had (Mark 12:40-44) or the tax-gatherer for his sincere prayer (Luke 18:9-14), God esteems us when we sincerely seek His will. When we give sacrificially—and quietly. When we use the gifts He’s given us to serve Him and others.
Our society—especially in the United States—looks at status, at bank accounts, at notoriety. However, God looks at hearts, at service, at dedication to Him.
It’s comforting to know that God loves me as much as He does anyone else. And He loves you just as much!
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