MONDAY, JANUARY 30
NUMBERS 16:8-13
ROMANS 12:10

"… in honour
preferring one another."

JEALOUSY IS A GATEWAY TO REBELLION

Failure to recognize God’s sovereignty will result in jealousy. One will envy those who got the promotion. Usurpation of posts will take place even within Christian churches. Certain men vie for promotion of their own personal ambitions. They are taken in by the world’s philosophy to climb the corporate ladder, and so they climb the church ladder. The conflict created will stumble others. It might even involve the entire church. It drives wedges to cause church factions, and eventually ends up in the church splitting.

"It was jealousy, then, that instigated Korah and his companions to set on foot first a quarrel, and then a tumult; respecting the priesthood, because they were indignant that the hope of attaining that honor was taken away from themselves and their posterity for ever. Thus there never was any more deadly or abominable plague in the Church of God, than ambition; inasmuch as it cannot be that those who seek for pre-eminence should range themselves beneath God’s yoke. Hence arises the dissolution of legitimate authority, when each one neglects the duties of his position, and aims at his own private advancement" (John Calvin).

Being in the household of God, we are one family. Being a part of the church of God, we are one body. Being a citizen of the kingdom of God, we are one dominion. Dear Christian, envy not the work of others. Do your own work for the Lord according to what He has given you. Lust not after the appointment of others. Be satisfied with what the Lord has positioned you. Surely the Lord knows what He has in store for you. "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another" (Ps 75:6-7).

THOUGHT: Am I jealous of my fellow Christians’ services?
PRAYER: "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear" (Ps 119:37-38).