Genesis 37:1-4 KJV
And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. [2] These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. [3] Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. [4] And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

The issue arises in a lot of homes is the issue of favoritism.

Israel, Jacob, was Rebekah's favorite while Esau was Isaac's favorite.

Some people think that they way they grew up should be the way their children should grow up.

I am not saying your children can not have nice things or have things that you grew up with.

I hear people say, "i don't want my children to have to go through what I went through." Maybe that's a good thing but playing favorites should never be an option.

Some children need to go without some things so when they grow up they will appreciate many things.

When mom or dad gives them what ever they want and cope to their demands then the children are running ths home and not the parents.

I think about Jacob and I could imagine that the older brothers of Joseph talking to him and then Joseph walks up and everyone has to be quiet because Joseph, dad's favorite, is ready to talk.

Lessons concerning favoritism

1. Favoritism always brings division

This is exactly what happened in the house of Jacob

2. Favoritism can lead to bitterness, resentment and even depression.

Can you imagine hearing someone in your family say, "what's the use? They wont listen to me anyway." Or "i never will get what I need if so and so is around."

Some children do not feel like they are good enough because they never get the attention of the parent.

I was talking to a parent the other day who told me that they had a child with some needs and another child who didn't have that many needs.

This parent told me that the child who didn't have that many needs was always complaining because the parent was focusing on the child who needed a little extra attention.

This parent told me that they had to explain to the child that their needs were taken care of and that this parent didn't love the other child more than this child. It was that child needed more attention.

Treat every child the same

3. Our Heavenly Father has no favorites, neither should we!

There is a song that came out a while back called he loves me like I was his only child. I have always enjoyed singing it in churches and meetings.

There is one line in the song, he never favors me above the rest, but I cant help but feel that I am blessed. He treats me best I often say, but then all my Father's children feel that way!

Hallelujah! Glory to God! He loves me like I was his only child!

Parents, a great reminder that our Heavenly Father treats every child of his like their his only child.

He blesses me day in and day out! I am glad I am his child, but I also am glad he treats me like his child and not some outcast.

Sometimes it may look like you are playing favoritism but it may be someone just needs a little extra attention.

May we always treat everyone the same.

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