1 Timothy 5:21b “Do nothing out of favoritism.”
The word “favoritism” here does not mean something positive like making family members a priority over non-family (as urged in 5:8) or giving special attention to caring for fellow Christians while caring for all people (see Galatians 6:10). The favoritism here implies injustice and imbalanced scales, putting personal biases ahead of truth when making decisions. The worlds of business, politics, government, entertainment, media – anywhere there is human organization – easily fall prey to favoritism. As a Christian, I must guard against this in my own decisions.
Father, please keep me clear-headed and wise, particularly in decisions involving the destinies of other people. I am naturally vulnerable to bias and can be blind to facts unless I remember to pray and seek your wisdom and guidance. Thank you for giving me work. I desire to honor you and remain in your path, eschewing selfish ambition, pride, and favoritism that work against your purposes.