Don't Compare

Dave Ramsey in a recent broadcast, did a brief monologue on the power and problem of jealousy and envy. As I reflected on his words, I remembered the Christian movie, Brother White. In the movie, an associate pastor, one of many at a megacurch, is frustrated by the delay in advancement to more influence and prominence in ministry. So to prove that he's not ready, the senior pastor sends him to lead one of their campus, churches that happens to be struggling.

He has his work cut out for him, but it's a quick realization of what's going on behind the scenes and the minds of head leadership.

We all too often, and so easily, look at external circumstances, struggles and successes... not realizing nor understanding what all has been endured and overcome to get to the place that we meet people today.

As we prayed yesterday... everyone has the moments where one more thing puts them over the cliff or at least very close to the edge. And everyone handles it differently. You may recognize that there is a problem or struggle. You may not.

But not knowing or understanding and jumping into a state of jealousy and or envy, is dangerous. Why?

Because the attitude and perspective that you hold in conjunction with those of the people you surround yourself with eventually permeates one's heart and mind in ways that will cause you to lose, fail and succumb, rather than win, succeed and overcome.

So, on this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those pastors struggling specifically with jealousy and envy. Regardless of who or what it may be directed at, pray for a breakthrough in their hearts and minds. Pray for a freedom in who they are and the call that God has placed on their lives, rather than be consumed with comparing themselves to other pastors and ministries. May their be a healing that transpires, as a counter-revolutionary to whatever events and experiences have brought them to this place. Pray they would be made whole and restored; no longer going through life and ministry broken and bothered.

For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC