Resist the "Tendency to Envy"

The account of Korah is a warning to us. Since "a tendency to envy" is present in imperfect humans, it can manifest itself even in the Christian congregation.  (James 4:5) For example, we might be position conscious. Like Korah, we might envy those who have privileges that we desire.  Or we could become like the first-century Christian named Diotrephes. He was highly critical of apostolic authority, evidently  because he wanted to be in charge. Indeed, John wrote that Diotrephes  "likes to have the first place." -3 John 9.

Of course, it is not wrong for a Christian man to reach out for congregation responsibilities. Paul even encouraged such a course.  (1 Timothy 3:1)  However, we should never view privileges of service as badges of merit, as though by attaining them, we have moved up a rung on some so-called  ladder of advancement. Remember, Jesus said:  "Whoever wants  to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants  to be first among you must be your slave." (Matthew 20:26, 27) Clearly, it would be wrong to envy those who have greater responsibilities, as if our value to God depended  upon our "rank" in his organization. Jesus said:  "All you are brothers."  (Matthew23:8) Yes, whether publisher or pioneer, newly baptized or longtime integrity keeper-all who serve Jehovah whole-souled have a valuable place in his arrangement.  (Luke 10:27; 12:6; Galatians 3:28; Hebrews 6:10)  It is truly a blessing to work shoulder to shoulder with millions who are striving to apply the Bible's counsel:  "Gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another." -1 Peter 5:5.

Next time: Absalom-An Ambitious Opportunist 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000