Jesus does not rhyme with Jealous

Servant leader, do you recognize that loving one another and celebrating another's victory are one and the same?

Picture it, Sicily, 1942. (I always wanted to use that Golden Girls line.) Two sisters are in love with the same man. Only one can win his love in return. How does the other sister react? If she holds a grudge and despises her sister, their relationship will suffer and potentially even die. Jealousy is the antithesis of love.

What about brothers Watt, competing for a Super Bowl title? Do you think JJ will be ecstatic when the Steelers beat the Cardinals? What about when TJ and Derek's feelings on JJ's selection? And if it contributes to a winning Cardinals post season, what then?

Let's look even closer to home. What is your response, servant leader, when a coworker gets the promotion you were pining for? Surely God doesn't expect you to be happy in those circumstances. Surely not.

But He does, not because any preacher has interpreted loosely God's word, but because He has written the command in black and white.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Rom 12:15-16, NKJV)

And why can I say with certainty that God prefers your joy even in the face of your own disappointment?

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Rom 8:28, NKVJ)

Remember, servant leader, either all of the Bible is true or none of it is. Either we are called to prosper in His time, according to His purpose, and as He plans, or we are not called at all. "Jesus" does not rhyme with "jealous." There is no circumstance where God will reward jealousy. But He does reward obedience, and if you look back on every lesson you have learned in your life, obedience doesn't come cheap.

So, if you call yourself a servant leader, then lead through service. It's kind of what the name implies anyway. And if you ever find yourself filling a position that I myself was seeking, know that I am truly rejoicing in your success. Why?

Because God is working all things together for my good, not because I am worthy, but because He is worthy, and because I am called according to His purpose. And that is good enough for me.

(Photo: Sixgunannie)