Yes, spending more time with certain people due to these factors (if not strictly work related), is favoritism, especially with personalities that mesh with yours. The truth is, if we truly all had the Spirit, we would have all things in common since we would actually share the same spirit. Unfortunately, cultural differences and traditions, which should have been ‘checked at the door’, are brought into the church.
Mark 7:13 – Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”
In turn, the Spirit cannot be received, and so there remains many differences between believers, that cause division or at the least cause us not to ‘mesh’.
Galatians 1:14 – I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Paul refers to the former philosophy and beliefs he used to follow as merely ‘traditions’. It should be the same with us.
Philippians 3:4-8 – though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ…
Paul considers all of his old culture, ways and traditions as garbage in order to receive the Spirit of Christ. So it should be with us also.
I am not referring to cultural differences and tradition in terms of language, clothing, food and hairstyles. As Jesus said, life is more than food and clothing for the body. I am speaking of priorities, philosophies, thought patterns and peoples’ ways that come from traditions and cultures. These cultural and traditional differences are what divides us and prevents the Holy Spirit from being able to fully function amongst believers.
