Sowing The Seeds of Jealousy

Jul 19, 2007

This week was all about the green-eyed monster! We saw what an envious eye did to the relationship between Saul and David, and learned that there is actually a "righteous kind of jealousy" that is mentioned in 2 Corintians 11:2 (and throughout the Bible).

We witnessed David (the Lord's annointed) forget briefly the power behind that annointing when he missed the "obvious" reminders that God arranged for him while he was on the run. And we got to know a little bit more about the "human" side of David. The fearful, the confused, the doubting, the hard-headed . . . makes him so relatable, no?

Finally, we were asked point-blank in our workbooks to confess any "jealousy" in our own hearts-- and Beth didn't have to be clear about whether it was righteous or not . . . let's face it. It isn't.

Our video session with Beth Moore had us look at Psalm 62 and reminded us that there is a fine line between hero worship and hate when it comes to our leadership.

As a leader, I was encouraged by her message, but moreso, convicted. Sometimes being in a congregation where we walk SO closely with our leaders/peers it's easy to keep a critical eye on them as they grow into their positions, whilst growing up! Being in leadership MUST be met with reverence, humility, keeping Christ as our focus, and constantly allowing the Lord to refresh our motives for "doing" what we do.

Ladies,

I want to tell you that my motives often need refreshing. I am so capable of reaching for and chasing after the wrong kind of affirmation and acknowlegement for "doing" what the Lord has called me to do. And, I am the first one to place my leadership on pedestals where they are destined to fall and disappoint because they were always human afterall.

That is why I am committed to constantly learning and challenging my own walk as I serve this church. And that is why we MUST pray for our leaders. Always. And give them grace, encouragement, while placing God as the focus of your admiration.

Meditate on Psalm 62 this week and pray for your small group leader, for Scott, Brian, and others who serve. Ask for forgiveness where there was envy, and give grace.

Be blessed as you learn about David's faithfulness to the Lord in the most overwhelming circumstances and I'll see you on Tuesday!

-Chrissie

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