No room for jealousy

"Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them int he public prison."

(Acts 5:17-18)

It's one of the 7 Deadly Sins: JEALOUSY (aka envy). So much damage and hurt have occurred over the centuries because of it. We humans are prone to want what we don't have - especially if we see it evidenced in the lives of people close to us.

In the New Testament book of Acts, the early church was burgeoning and growing. People were joining the ranks of the Believers with leaps and bounds. In chapter 5, the story of Ananias & Sapphire (while tragic) caused wonder and awe across Jerusalem. Then v.12-16 remake about the many signs of healing and wonder that also took place.

It is with this backdrop that our focus verse for today finds its context. The Jewish high priest (and all the Sadducees) are jealous of the early church's quick growth (and popular swell among the people). So they set out to arrest the apostles. It doesn't go well for these leaders - for the hand of God is upon the disciples. But that's not what struck my heart this morning. I was reminded how seductive jealousy can be - even for religious leaders.

The high priest was envious over all the new Christians coming to the faith. We pastors are constantly being reminded of the growth of other churches - worship attendance, membership, baptisms, confessions of faith, numbers of small groups, etc. Or we see other sanctuaries and worship spaces and feel envious. Or we hear about the generous giving that other congregations have. The list of things we pastors can be jealous about can run for miles.

But jealousy is deadly. God calls us to specific places, times, and ministries. God is the One who gives growth - we just plant and water. We're called to be faithful wherever God has placed us. There is no room for jealousy in our lives - or in the Body of Christ.