Corruption Defined

“I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.” (1 Timothy 5:21) 

Paul wrote this to Timothy immediately after writing about how and when to discipline  wayward Elders. Clearly, favoritism should not be exercised in the Congregation towards Elders or others. In most business enterprises the practice of nepotism is prohibited, perhaps as an application of this scripture, but more likely because nepotism invites favoritism. Joe Biden and Hunter Biden are prime examples of how favoritism leads to corruption. Joe influenced the FBI and DOJ to give Hunter a sweetheart pat on the wrist plea deal for his serious felonious crimes. Hunter kicked back payments to Joe from Hunters dealing with corrupt foreign businesses for Joe’s influence. Not only are these crimes prohibited by law, they are violations of clear scripture designated to prevent corruption through favoritism. A scriptural example is with Herod and his wife’s daughter, Herodias, who after pleasing Herod’s guests in a party secured the beheading of John the Baptist through Herod’s rash grant of a favor to her. (Matt. 14:6-11) Favoritism can produce very wicked results.

Usually, we think of giving various recognition or favors to our friends as a normal kindness and it is, but the favoritism that Paul describes is within the context of the church organization and leadership. All throughout government organization there are prohibitions against favoritism, even down to a government employee/officer receiving of gifts over twenty five dollars in value. When a person holds a position of authority they must be held to a higher standard of ethical behavior. Our laws recognize this as a fiduciary responsibility, such that there are more severe penalties when there is an expectations of loyalty. For example, if an employee steals from their employer or if a lawyer steals from the client he is representing, these are more severe crimes. Clearly, crimes committed by public officials or police officers can not be condoned. 

It seems this protection has been lost in government and perhaps in some churches. While being gracious and granting favor is good, it cannot be corrupted through abuse of our position, which is actually giving away something that is not ours to give. If we have authority in any organization we  have a duty to its members; favoritism is taking what does not belong to us for our personal benefit. Finally, we see this in our two tiered justice system, where Conservatives in the opposition party are treated harshly and woke Democrats are not even investigated for comparable behavior. The charge in scripture is before God, Jesus Christ and the elect angels, no one is higher, this must be important.