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When God planted the fourth church through us in the 1990's, I was having a very challenging time. I hate to admit this, but I was jealous of a pastor friend of mine who was just down the street from me. Yes, jealous. Yes, pastors are human, too, and I was green with envy!

It bothered me on Sunday mornings to watch cars pass by our church heading to his church.

I know, I know. I should've been happy about that because we were (and still are) on the same team. But in my pride I thought, "Wow, we have better theology and better youth and children's ministries. I have worked hard to recruit and begin dynamic ministries that are attracting new people (especially pre-Christians) to our church. We have better worship, and maybe even better preaching (oh, how prideful!)."

"Why, God?" I would ask, "are you blessing his church and not ours with astronomical growth? I deserve better than HIM!"

See the jealousy, arrogance and comparison going on?

The pastor was and is still a good friend of mine. He is a much better pastor than I was. He is compassionate, listens well and really tries to help people. When we had lunch together at least once a month, I felt like handing him my wallet because my money was safer with him than me - that's how much a man of God he is!

So why the jealousy?
I was comparing and contrasting and envious of what God was doing in his life and his church and God should have been doing more for ME.

As I was reading God's Word one morning, the Holy Spirit hit me between the eyes through John 21:20-22 (remember, Peter had just told the Lord three times that he loved Him, so he was reinstated following his denial of the Lord):

“Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”” (John 21:20–22, NIV)

God taught me the WITTY Principle.

W hat

I s

T hat

T o

Y ou?

God has a plan for my pastor friend, and He did not ask my opinion or jealousy or comparison about His plan for my friend versus His plan for me.

Hear it again:
"What is that to you? YOU FOLLOW ME!"

I turned away (repented) of my jealousy, confessed it to the Lord, and determined to stay in step with the Spirit's plan for me and me alone.

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves ... When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12, NIV)

I felt a freedom and joy I had not experienced in a long time. In fact, I began to pray publicly on Sunday mornings for his church to grow (along with every other church in our region that taught the Word of God).

Are you jealous of a co-worker because they receive more accolades than you do?
Do they make more money than you?
Do they take credit for a job that you did - and you did it better than they ever could?

What is that to you? Follow the Lord!

Remember, the final chapter has not been written yet!

God, who tests the motives of the heart and sees everything has promised that one day He will show a watching world all the times you did it right and you will receive the applause of heaven!

“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:7–9, NIV)

• In which cases are you experience jealousy?

Rejoicing, On the Victory Side!

Beau

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