Practices that Harm the Lord’s Church: Favoritism Among Brethren by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another dangerous practice that, throughout the centuries, has seriously harmed the Lord’s church is favoritism among brethren. This has been a problem since the first century, even in the days of the early church. James, the Lord’s brother, addressed this issue directly in his letter. In chapter 2, he presents the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that true faith must be accompanied by obedience. One of those works is avoiding partiality. The text clearly declares that our faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must be without favoritism (James 2:1).

The expression “respect of persons” denotes partiality or unfair preferential treatment toward certain individuals. It involves valuing some over others based on external factors such as appearance, social status, or personal advantage (cf. James 2:2–4). This attitude is sinful because it contradicts the nature of God, who shows no partiality (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). Furthermore, it directly attacks the integrity of the Christian faith, since genuine faith that pleases God cannot exist where favoritism is practiced (James 2:9).

Favoritism is also sinful because it destroys the unity and brotherly love that God desires among His people. Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another” (John 13:34–35). This love must be sincere, without hypocrisy (Romans 12:9), and extended to all brethren without distinction (1 Peter 1:22). Christ Himself is the perfect example, as He showed compassion and love without discrimination. He reflected the character of the Father, who treats all with justice and fairness (Colossians 3:25).

Those who practice favoritism often fail to realize that their actions are evident. Scripture teaches: “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). Sin, even when one attempts to hide it, will eventually be revealed (Numbers 32:23). Favoritism exposes a lack of spiritual maturity and weak faith—qualities that must be corrected if one desires to inherit eternal life (2 Peter 1:5–11).

Additionally, it is important to remember that in the body of Christ there is no room for divisions or human preferences. Galatians 3:28 teaches that we are all one in Christ Jesus. Likewise, Ephesians 4:1–3 exhorts us to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Favoritism breaks that unity and causes stumbling among brethren (Romans 14:13).

What are some symptoms of favoritism?
(1) Preferring to associate only with a select group,
(2) speaking negatively about those outside that group (James 4:11),
(3) showing concern only for close companions,
(4) doing good only to those who return the favor (Luke 6:32–33),
(5) excluding or ignoring other brethren,
(6) displaying attitudes of contempt or superiority (Philippians 2:3),
(7) living a superficial faith without genuine Christian love.

Brethren, let us ask God to help us never open our hearts to the sin of favoritism. Let us remember that such an attitude is contrary to the gospel and can prevent us from attaining eternal life (Revelation 2:10). Let us practice true love, humility, and justice. Let us learn to love all our brethren in Christ without distinction, for this is what God desires from each one of us (Micah 6:8).

Challenges Young People Face Today: “Being Wise in Choosing the Person You Want to Marry” by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another important challenge young people face today is being very wise when choosing the person they want to marry. Sooner or later, most will seek someone to unite with in marriage and build a family in the future. However, the process of finding the right person is not easy, since it involves not only emotions, but also spiritual decisions that will affect one’s entire life. Therefore, every young person who plans to have a family should, from an early age, pray to God for the wisdom needed to make a prudent decision (James 1:5).

The Bible clearly teaches that our decisions must be guided by God and not merely by momentary feelings (Proverbs 3:5–6). Choosing a partner should not be based on physical appearance or temporary interests, but on solid spiritual principles (1 Samuel 16:7). The Christian young person must understand that marriage is a sacred union established by God (Genesis 2:24) and, therefore, requires a wise and well-thought-out decision.

Searching for a marriage partner is a serious task because it involves the following:

  1. Seeking someone who will help me reach heaven one day (Matthew 6:33).
  2. Seeking someone who truly and sincerely loves me (1 Corinthians 13:4–7).
  3. Seeking someone who cares for me in good times and in bad (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).
  4. Seeking someone who loves God above all things (Matthew 22:37).
  5. Seeking someone who deeply values Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 5:25).
  6. Seeking someone who desires to build a family according to God’s will (Psalm 127:1).
  7. Seeking someone who does not love the world or the things in it (1 John 2:15–17).
  8. Seeking someone who will not become a stumbling block to my spirituality (1 Corinthians 15:33).
  9. Seeking someone willing to fulfill their role in the home: to provide [man] and to care for the home [woman] (1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:4–5).
  10. Seeking someone who desires to grow spiritually with me (2 Peter 3:18).

It is also important to remember that patience is key in this process. Such an important decision should not be rushed (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Waiting on God’s timing will always bring better results (Psalm 37:4–5).

Finding a person with these qualities is not only possible, but also attainable if the young person practices spiritual wisdom, studies God’s Word consistently, and maintains a life of prayer. When God guides the decision, the result will be a relationship that not only brings happiness in this life, but also helps both individuals attain eternal life.

CHALLENGES YOUNG PEOPLE FACE TODAY: IGNORANCE OF THE WORD OF GOD by Willie A. Alvarenga

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One challenge I wish to present in this series of articles is the lack of knowledge of the Word of God, a serious problem that has affected God’s people in every age. From ancient times, God has warned about the grave consequences of ignoring His Word. The prophet Hosea expressed this reality with powerful words:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you… because you have forgotten the law of your God” (Hosea 4:6).

This passage reveals the terrible consequences of opening the door to biblical ignorance. Both the priests and the people had deliberately rejected divine knowledge and had forgotten the law of the Lord (cf. Jeremiah 2:8; Nehemiah 9:26). When this happens, ignorance of the Scriptures becomes a serious spiritual problem capable of leading God’s people into moral, doctrinal, and spiritual ruin (cf. Isaiah 1:3; Matthew 22:29).

Biblical ignorance is not simply the absence of religious information, but often a willful rejection of the truth revealed by God (cf. Proverbs 1:22, 29). Where there is no knowledge of the Word, there can be no firm faith, sincere obedience, or healthy spiritual life, for “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17; cf. John 8:31–32).

For this reason, I want to encourage you, young person, to take seriously the diligent study of the Word of God. The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, saying:
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

This knowledge will help you avoid being destroyed by the enemy and will enable you to remain firm in the midst of a world filled with spiritual deception (cf. Isaiah 5:13; Ephesians 6:11–17). The Bible also exhorts us to continue in both public and personal reading of the Scriptures (1 Timothy 4:13), to store God’s Word in our hearts through memorization (Psalm 119:9, 11), and to meditate deeply on what God teaches us through it (Psalm 1:1–3; Joshua 1:8).

We live in a world that “lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19), where false doctrines, moral confusion, and opposition to divine truth abound (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3–4; Ephesians 4:14). Therefore, it is essential that we strive for the Word of Christ to dwell richly in our hearts (Colossians 3:16), continually growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

If you make the Word of God a priority in your life, you will be able to live as more than a conqueror (cf. Romans 8:37), and biblical ignorance will have no place in your heart. Let us always remember that a people who know their God shall be strong, faithful, and victorious (Daniel 11:32; cf. Psalm 119:105; John 17:17).

Challenges Young People Face: “Cultivating the Desire to Be Part of the Biblical Organization of the Church” by Willie A. Alvarenga

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One important challenge that young people face today is cultivating the desire to be part of the biblical organization of the church. When I speak of the biblical organization of the church, I am referring to the different responsibilities that God has entrusted to elders, deacons, and preachers (Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4). These roles are not human inventions, but part of God’s divine design for the proper functioning and spiritual growth of the Lord’s church

The young Christian should seriously consider the possibility of serving one day in one of these responsibilities and privileges available in the church. The Bible teaches that desiring to serve in these areas is good and honorable: “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1). Therefore, it is essential that young people grow in such a way that they develop a deep desire to serve God—whether as future elders, deacons, ministers of the Word, or as faithful, committed, and active Christians in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

It is a great challenge to think about and pray regarding becoming part of these beautiful responsibilities one day. However, this desire begins with a willing heart to serve. The brothers who currently serve as elders, deacons, and preachers also went through a process of spiritual growth, prayer, and serious reflection regarding their responsibility to serve the church in these areas (1 Timothy 3:8–13; Titus 1:5–9). No one reaches these roles overnight; it is the result of a life of preparation, faithfulness, and maturity in Christ.

The Bible also presents examples of young people who chose to serve God from an early age, such as Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6–7). These servants understood that age is not a limitation to begin serving, but an opportunity to prepare more effectively.

We encourage all young Christians to diligently study the Scriptures so that they may be well prepared to serve the Lord’s church in the future. Knowledge of God’s Word is essential for anyone who desires to serve (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:11). Likewise, it is important to develop Christian qualities such as a good example, discipline, humility, and love for souls (1 Timothy 4:12).

Preaching schools can be a great blessing in training men for the work of elders, deacons, or gospel preachers. However, preparation also begins at home, within the local congregation, and in the daily life of the Christian (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

If you begin to reflect, prepare, and pray from an early age, God can bless you with the wonderful opportunity to serve the church in different capacities. Remember that serving God is both a privilege and a responsibility (Colossians 3:23–24). I encourage you to place your life in the Lord’s hands and allow Him to use you for His honor and glory.

Practices that Hurt the Lord’s Church – Arrogance Among Brethren by Willie A. Alvarenga

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Another dangerous practice that, throughout the centuries, has seriously harmed the Lord’s church is arrogance among brethren. This term describes an attitude of excessive pride in which a person considers themselves superior to others and acts with contempt, self-sufficiency, and an evident lack of humility. In this condition, the individual comes to believe that they do not need anyone’s help, that they are always right, and that their opinions should prevail over those of others.

Arrogance is not merely a negative character trait; it is a spiritual condition that deeply affects the Christian’s relationship with God and with others. It is a problem of the heart that, if not corrected, can cause great damage within the body of Christ.

An arrogant person displays several clear characteristics. They consider themselves superior to others, reject correction (Proverbs 12:15), despise the opinions of others, and constantly seek to exalt themselves (Matthew 23:12). Additionally, they have difficulty recognizing their own faults, lack genuine love for all (1 Corinthians 13:4-5), and in many cases seek the approval of people rather than that of God (Galatians 1:10). Their spiritual life can become superficial, honoring God only with their lips (Matthew 15:8), while their heart remains far from Him.

Synonyms for this attitude include pride, haughtiness, arrogance, vanity, conceit, boastfulness, and insolence. All these terms reflect different facets of the same problem: a heart that has not fully submitted to the will of God.

From a biblical perspective, arrogance has its root in self-sufficiency and in forgetting our total dependence on God. Scripture teaches in 1 Corinthians 4:7 that we have nothing that we have not received, which should produce in us a constant attitude of humility. However, when a person loses sight of this truth, they begin to trust in themselves and elevate themselves above others.

The Bible speaks clearly about the seriousness of this sin. In Proverbs 8:13 we are reminded that God hates pride and arrogance. Likewise, Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride goes before destruction. The New Testament also emphasizes this truth by declaring that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Even in the teaching of Jesus, as seen in Luke 18:9-14, it is clearly shown that the arrogant heart is not justified before God.

The consequences of arrogance within the church are devastating. This attitude produces divisions, strife, and rivalries among brethren (1 Corinthians 1:10). It also fosters envy and vain glory (Galatians 5:26), weakening the spiritual unity that should characterize God’s people (Ephesians 4:3). In many cases, congregations are affected not so much by doctrinal error, but by proud attitudes that hinder harmony and spiritual growth.

In light of this reality, it is necessary for the Christian to take steps to prevent arrogance from taking root in the heart. Prayer is essential, asking God for wisdom and a humble spirit (James 1:5-6). It is also vital to practice sincere love toward all brethren (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9), avoiding vain glory and learning to glory only in the Lord (Galatians 6:14). Humility must be practiced daily, as taught in Micah 6:8, always remembering our total dependence on God (John 15:5).

Finally, the biblical exhortation is clear: we must guard our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23), for out of it spring the issues of life. Arrogance is a destructive spiritual disease that can infiltrate silently, but humility—cultivated through a sincere relationship with God—strengthens the church and glorifies the Lord.

Arrogance has no place in the life of a faithful Christian. Only when we learn to submit to God and to consider others as better than ourselves can we live in harmony, grow spiritually, and truly reflect the character of Christ.

Bible Articles for Young People (Vol. 1)

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This book consists of 52 Bible articles published for the spiritual growth of our young people. This book may also be used as devotional material for the family. I pray this material will be a great source of encouragement for everyone who takes the time to read these articles. To God be the glory!

Willie A. Alvarenga

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