Monday, September 15, 2008

Sibling Rivalry

If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.  Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.  (1 Corinthians 12:26–27 NLT)

I think there may be three big surprises in heaven: One, many of the people we expected to see won’t be there.  Two, many of the people we never expected to see will be there.  And three, we will be there.

Remember the story of the prodigal son?  He went out, tarnished the family name, consorted with prostitutes, and threw away his fortune.  Then one day, he came to his senses and returned home.  His father ran to meet him, smothered him with kisses, and threw a big party.  It was a great celebration.

Meanwhile, the prodigal’s older brother was out in the field, heard the commotion, and wanted to know what was going on.  He was told that his younger brother had returned home.  But instead of rejoicing, he was angry and jealous.

This can happen with us.  We see God bless someone else in a tangible way, maybe with a promotion at work or another blessing of some kind.  Or maybe God puts His hand on a certain individual and begins to use him. 

In the midst of all this, we might say, “Lord, wait a second.  I have faithfully served you all of these years.  How is it that this Johnny-come-lately pops up, and you are blessing him?  It isn’t fair.  I am much more godly.  I am much more committed.  And most of all, I am much more humble.”

The fact of the matter is that we should rejoice whenever God is being glorified and the gospel is being preached.

Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries.  All rights reserved.  Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved. 

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to  www.harvest.org. 

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-Greg Laurie

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