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Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4
Within a church family, jealousy and envy can be a very dangerous disease. “Why does that person get a position I believe I am suited for?” “Why do people seem to follow them, I am such a better leader?” “Why are their opinions heard, but mine is not?”
Autoimmune disease is exactly what it sounds like—the body mistakenly fighting itself. This attack may take the form of type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, among others.
When we get our focus off the mission of the gospel, it’s easy to allow the disease of jealousy and envy to spread within a congregation. We can begin to attack our own body. Sides are formed, plans are made, and some times all-out war splits a church over seemingly insignificant things. In the end, the cause of Christ is damaged and people are hurt because we focused on what other people had that we didn’t.
The only antidote for this disease is to remember that we are all on the same team. My brother and sisters in Christ’s victory is my victory too. Ultimately God is the one who raises people up or cuts people down.
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12
We must trust that God sees us and knows what is best for us. We must celebrate our family, fight for unity, and focus on the real mission of the church… glorifying God to this broken world and proclaiming the gospel to those that have never heard!
In Christ,
Pastor Phil