Scripture
Acts 13:15,45
“After the reading from the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”
“When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
Observation
The Jewish leaders invited Paul and Barnabas to share a word of exhortation with the people, but they had low expectations of the result. When Paul got better results than they expected, they became jealous and started trying to hinder the results he was getting. They were only interested in supporting Paul as long as he was validating the same poor results they had been getting.
Application
It’s easy to become complacent about mediocre results. Whether in ministry or on the job, repeated and ongoing lack of growth will change and stunt our thinking eventually. When we become accustomed to mediocrity, it’s easy to feel threatened by excellence and effectiveness. I want to be the kind of leader who consistently strives for excellence and celebrates the successes of others. I cannot be kingdom-minded if I allow myself to become resentful toward those who are more effective than I.
This week, I need to be intentional to reach for excellence and celebrate Kingdom wins.
Prayer
God, thank you for the diversity you created in the body of Christ, and for those who are more skilled than I in their area of gifting. Help me to always celebrate Kingdom wins, rather than becoming threatened by those who are more effective than me in the areas to which you’ve called them.
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