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 While
the term "nepotism" is generally associated with the
political realm, its meaning renders it adaptable to usage in
other areas as well. Originally, the term was used to describe
the favoritism shown to nephews by medieval prelates. Later,
however, nepotism came to be seen as favoritism shown to any
relative, and usually in disregard of merit, ethics, or even law
itself. In short, it is the practice of giving priority to
relatives over right; favoring family to a fault.
Thusly
viewed, it is not difficult to see the term's relevance and
application to the spiritual realm. Accordingly then, what we
might call a sort of "spiritual nepotism" may be
described as the practice of favoring family above God. Isn't
that the sin of Eli the priest? (1 Sam. 2) God saw Eli's
indulgence of his wicked sons as a thing of iniquity,
"because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained
them not" (1 Sam. 3:13). Thus, Eli honored his sons above
God, as God Himself says, 1 Sam. 2:29. Surely, God is no less
concerned when modern 'Eli’s" do the same. Any parent who
is more concerned with his children's wants than with
God's will makes himself the enemy of God, child and
self, even if unwittingly. God shows us that children need
restraining, discipline, and spiritual training (text; Deut.
11:19; Prov. 22:6, 13:24, 23:13; Eph. 6:4). To withhold these
things in favor of pleasing the child is to honor him above God
— it is spiritual nepotism. But, we not only hurt our
offspring in withholding the good, we do likewise in upholding
the bad and the wrong in them.
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Had
you ever noticed, for instance, how some schoolteachers have
nothing more to do than pick on our children? Don't we just know
our dears wouldn't do all those awful things they've been
accused of? Confidence and trust are absolutely essential —
except when they blind us to truth and cause us to defend our
youth in wrongdoing. Such blind allegiance is a poor substitute
for real love and usually hurts more than it helps. Faithfulness
requires a consistent application of truth and right to all
persons and all circumstances. No doubt Abraham could have
offered God excuses a lot easier than he could offer his son
Isaac — but, thankfully, faith triumphed over feelings in his
case, as it must in ours. It is in anticipation of these very
conflicts that Jesus says, "He that loveth father or mother
more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or
daughter more than me is not worthy of me". (Matt. 10:37)
But
furthermore, we must see this principle involved in the husband
and wife relationship also. Think of the Christians who have
allowed their marriages to divorce them from God!; who have
allowed their union with an unbeliever to separate them from the
Lord! It is nothing short of spiritual nepotism when wives put
pleasing their husband above pleasing God (and vice versa).
Peter's admonition needs remembering: "We must obey God
rather than men" Acts 5:29). We are living in a time in
which family loyalty is desperately needed. But, may God help us
to see it and discharge it within the framework of true faith.
We owe it to God and kin.
Dan S. Shipley
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