Competition and Jealousy

I originally wrote this for a private blog I am maintaining for a Bible Study group. The topic is a universal issue, so I thought I'd include my thoughts here, too!

Paul was physically kept from widespread ministry while he was imprisoned (real Philippians 1:12-18), but he celebrated the success of others as they were able to spread the Gospel during that time. As women, we are sometimes limited in our visible ministry activities by family and home obligations. Just like Paul, we need to trust God's sovereignty in our situation and celebrate other's successes while continuing to minister in our realm of influence. Even if we can't be missionaries in a foreign country or leaders of large ministries, we can follow Paul's example and shine for the sake of Christ exactly where we are.

I have experienced such joy when being allowed the privilege of praying with my children as they made Jesus the Lord of their lives. Although it has been the hardest work I've ever done, raising them to grow in their knowledge of and love for the Lord has been the most joyful experience of my life.

During these years of being "chained" with my growing family, I watched many other women lead in church, influence large throngs of people, lead in musical worship of God and write wise, godly, books. I confess to being jealous of these women at times. But I also have been blessed by their willingness to serve God and His children, dedicating much more of their time than I had available. They blessed me and I am grateful.

I, too, would love to make a mark on this planet for Jesus. Someday I may write a great book or sing a song heard worldwide that blesses God. Or maybe I won't. No matter what, I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

God placed in each of us a desire to be special; to be seen as unique and treasured. The Psalmist, David, beautifully articulates that desire in Psalm 139, especially verse 17, "How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!" The problem arises when we look to the world to fulfill that desire instead of to our Savior because He is the only one who can completely fulfill that desire. We want so much for our talents to be appreciated that it can hurt when our abilities are overlooked while someone else's is celebrated. These feelings are very normal, but need to be recognized for what they are before jealousy takes root, especially when it comes to our immediate church family. Jealousy unchecked is toxic to the family of God. If we really believe we are called to glorify God in everything we do, that includes how we react to the success of others. It is a loving sacrifice of our will to the will of our Father.

Any thoughts?