Am I Your Favorite?

That's the question I get, regularly, from my four youngest grandchildren. It's actually quite hilarious and my usual answer is, "I love you all the same" or "I love you all uniquely because you are all so special in your very own ways!" I will respond to my 11 year old, Bryson, when I get that question from him, "Yes, you are my FAVORITE 11-year old." None of those answers seem to satisfy them because of late, it's the last one to have my cell phone in hand who places their photo on my home page, that they deem to be my "favorite". When my Alexia and Payton saw that I had Bryson's birthday picture on my home screen a couple of days ago (because I was just there celebrating his birthday), they battled it out for who's picture would be there. It seems Alexia won because hers is the one on there now. For my birthday, Payton wrote on my card envelope: "To: Nana, From your favorite grandson aka Payton. Alexia wrote: "To Nana, From Alexia (Your fav granddaughter). I love this competition for Nana's approval and love. They know they have it and, of course, I know they're all playing me!

When my husband was in his final days on this earth, my daughter, Staci, and I would often be with him, tending to his needs and wants. One day -- without looking directly at either of us, he said, "I love you so much, my precious darling!" We both asked, at the same time, "Which of us are you talking to?" In his usual finesse and wisdom, announced "Both of you!" VERY wise man.

Maybe you don't feel like anybody's "favorite" today. Here's the truth -- I am God’s favorite…and so are you! Psalm 16:3 As for the saints who are on the earth, they are excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."

I have people respond to me from time to time, “Wow, God sure loves you and favors you!" The fact is I know I'm not favored above anyone else, but I do know I want to make Him famous so I talk about Him a lot. I celebrate His blessings -- big and small. But, the fact of the matter is God says in His Word, He is not partial. Romans 2:11 "For God shows no partiality." He will not favor me over you. You see, I am His favorite, but you are too! I rejoice with you that you share in this great reality. We are God’s own favorite people.

It’s hard to imagine that our great God is not partial, but we are, in fact, His favorites. We are His own special people and so are any of the “whosoevers” that John 3:16 talks about. The "whosoevers" become His favorites by believing John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life!" That's forever! That means He loves us so much that He will never be an "empty-nester". You know, like those parents who look forward to their kids moving out and starting their own lives. That's not God. He welcomes us to live with Him forever and ever!

So, yes, we are God’s favorites FOREVER. You and I are God’s special treasures and this astounding promise lasts forever and FOREVER! Hebrews 13:5 "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

May we realize that we are all God’s favorites. If He had a cell phone, my picture would be on it when I looked, and when you looked, your picture would be on it. In return for that favoritism, may we live our lives completely out loud for those who are lost and hurting and don't know His love. May we help Him help all of His kids to know His love that can never be compared and that they would know they are God’s favorites, too!