Proverbs 28:21 (KJV) - To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

Recently I encountered a situation where someone was allowed to supersede a military standard because the people they work for used their position and rank to establish their 'own' process. When I first learned of this, I was conflicted. If the military standard is allowed to stand, the person's career will be in serious jeopardy. From the initial look from the outside in, it seemed that their superiors were doing everything they could to prevent any damage to the person's career. In theory (and I use that term loosely), what they were doing could be seen as noble, but was it right?

What about the people (and superiors) not of a high social standing or position? Because of their position (or lack thereof) they don't receive special conditions or favors. They are held to the letter of the 'law' and punished by the letter of the law.

Romans 2:11 (KJV) - For there is no respect of persons with God.

The rules in this 'case' are very black and white - there are no gray areas. But the difference is the people involved. The superiors are using their position to show partiality when the standards do not allow it. Regardless of the conditions leading up to the issue, it will be important that we do not show partiality toward anyone because of rank, status, or position. We must treat everyone with the same dignity and respect.

James 2:1-13 (KJV) - My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.