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Favorites.

Whether it’s a team, a work environment, or a family, it’s never a good idea.

Karen Dillon, author of the HBR Guide to Office Politics, states favoritism is the basis for disaster.

“The danger is that you’re laying a foundation for creating a dysfunctional team around you,” Dillon says.

Joseph knew this all too well.

 “Jacob lived in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.” (Genesis 37:1-4)

It was just the start, but already Joseph’s brothers despised him for being their father’s favorite.

Israel probably couldn’t have known exactly how far his sons would go as he played favorites, but he was still in the wrong for doing it.

As parents, teachers and leaders of multiple children or groups, you can recognize that each one has different gifts, talents and personalities. Obviously, one of them tends to be more like you and you tend to have more in common with them.

It’s natural.

However, instead of showering one of them with love and admiration, take note of each one and how they add to your group, family or team.

While you may not be able to change your feelings or admiration for one person over another, you can change the way you act or reward those people.

I’m thankful that there are no favorites in God’s eyes.

Jesus died for ALL people.

He wants ALL to come unto repentance and receive his salvation.

He loves every person, no matter their skin color, language or what they have to offer. He loves us all the same.

Even me.

Even you.

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