Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. (Acts 5:17-18, NIV)
These verses were a small part of the Scriptures read last Sunday during our pastor’s sermon. While his message was on something entirely different, these seemed to jump out at me immediately. The Sadducees controlled the Temple system during the time of Christ. They were part of the priestly class at that time. While they were powerful and opposed Jesus and His teachings, they did not have great favor or influence with the people. (information found in The NLT Study Bible, page 1610). To see the apostles gaining any recognition or favor or influence with the people incited them to jealousy.
Jealousy, as described in the New Testament Lexical Aids of the Key Word Study Bible, is “an honorable feeling which may degenerate into a desire to make war upon the good it sees in another. It will cause trouble in an effort to diminish the good it see in another.” Did you notice that jealousy should be an honorable feeling? We should be jealous for the good of each other not of the good in each other. Jealousy drove the Sadducees to seek to diminish the good they in the apostles and in what they were doing.
I am currently reading a copy of Clout: Discover And Unleash Your God-Given Influence by Jenni Catron. Although I am not yet finished with the book, I know this will be a book that I purchase for myself once it is available January 21st. In the meantime, I am thoroughly enjoying and absorbing the preview pdf. Chapter Three, in its entirety, deals with the issue of jealousy and influence.
Here are a few of the points that Jenni writes:
- Jealousy diminishes our credibility. Jealousy will cause us to lose the very influence that we are desperately trying to maintain.
- Jealousy sabotages our influence when we fear losing our influence to another person who shares our arena.
- Jealousy is like a cancer that eats away at everything that is good in our relationships.
- Jealousy makes other people – even people we like and respect – our enemies.
- Jealousy will tempt us to diminish the worth of others.
- Jealousy is dangerous to our own souls.
So what are we to do when we find jealousy beginning to rear its ugly head in our lives?
The best way to combat the negative progression of these clout killers is to go the opposite direction by affirming and celebrating the influence of others…..The irony of celebrating others’ gifts is that we actually begin to find more value in our own. (page 66)
Affirm one another. Encourage one another to grow and develop in one’s gifts and area of influence. Celebrate each another. In so doing, you will stop the sin of jealousy from creeping into your own heart.
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealous is like cancer in the bones. (Proverbs 14:30, NLT)
There is no place for jealousy in leadership.
Celebrate the abilities of one another.
A book review and giveaway will be happening here later this month when the book is released.
Today I am joining with … Sharing His Beauty and Playdates With God and Create With Joy and Making Your Home Sing and Mom’s Mon. Mingle and Living Proverbs 31 and Mon. Musings and Mommy Mon. and Motivation Mon. and Inspire Me Mon. and The Modest Mom .
Loved your definition of jealousy. I’m reading a similar book called “The Influencer.”
I have not heard of this book. I am going to need to check it out on Amazon 🙂
I wholeheartedly agree…but at times it is so hard not have a bit of envy. I realize that in me, try to overcome it. Some days are better than others in terms of success.
May we ask God for eyes to see it in ourselves & the willingness to have Him uproot it quickly.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing. Love the additional perspective you’ve added!
It is a great book which I have learned so much from. I will definitely be buying a copy not only for myself but for others too. It has been wonderful to read the book & be a part of the launch. I am excited for you!
Ah! So true! I just hate the feeling of jealousy, and it’s such a snare. Thank you for sharing this. I’ve had friends that I’ve pushed away because I was jealous and friends who have pushed me away because they were jealous- it’s very damaging and satan just loves that. Praying for you as you continue to read and look forward to checking Clout out!
It is so true that jealousy is such an ugly feeling & divides people. I hope you will check the book out when it is released the end of this month. It is truly a wonderful book not only for leadership but even regarding personal relationships.
Here’s a topic we don’t want to talk about, don’t want to admit we struggle with. Thanks for putting it on the table! Truth be told, most of us need to sit down and look this square in the eye. And begin making some choices on what we’re going to do with thie most unwelcome, unattractive guest.
So true isn’t it. Yet we can only rid ourselves of those things we are willing to expose & allow God to uproot. Thank you for sharing here today!
I had never thought about how jealousy can be positive or “honorable.” May we all be jealous for the fruits of God’s spirit.
The scripture that comes to mind about godly jealousy is 2 Corinthians 11:2. Yes, may we be jealous for the fruits of the Spirit!
As a Women’s Ministry Leader I find Satan loves to use jealousy to discourage me and disrupt my work in ministry. It’s so easy to be jealous of their event, their budget, their paid staff position, their attendance, etc. Thank you for the reminder that I need to celebrate what God is doing for His kingdom through their ministry.
I so appreciate your transparency here. Don’t let jealousy misguide you as well. Those feelings can so rob us of what God wants to work through us. Keep focused on Him. May He bless you as you continue to lead the women in your church this year!
Reblogged this on Sunday School on Steroids-The Seminary Experience.
Thank you so much for the reblog. You are such an encouragement! Blessings!!!
What I find most fascinating about jealousy is that jealousy isolates us. It cuts us off from community. And the more isolated we become the more jealous we become of others. It’s a downward spiral.
Isn’t that amazing to realize. Jenni makes the same point that you have shared. It is a vicious cycle which truly leads nowhere. You are going to love her book when it comes out! It is truly one of the best books (if not the best book) I have read on leadership & relationships.
I absolutely love this reminder! What a beautiful inspiration that there is no jealousy in Leadership! Sometimes it is hard, but this gives hope that we can work together! Thanks for linking up. I look forward to reading more! Blessings from Inspire Me Monday!
May we all work together & encourage one another & grow in 2014! I am looking forward to linking up with you again.
such a good insight about jealousy! This sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing it with me.
This is a wonderful book not only for leadership, both in the church and in the corporate world, but also very insightful for life and relationships.