Envy, jealousy and hurt pride

"John said to Jesus, 'Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group.' 50 'Jesus said, 'Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you, is for you."   Luke 9:49-50   NLT 

Prior to this happening, the disciples had laid hands on a demon possessed boy and they couldn't drive the spirit out Luke 9:40. Now they witness someone else driving out an evil spirit so, they stop him possibly because of their hurt pride. Let's face it, there had been nine of the disciples praying for this boy, yet not one of them succeeded. Now they see one person doing the job properly. There was possibly jealousy here, especially as the man was not from their group.

Our pride gets hurt when we see someone succeeding where we have failed. But Jesus doesn't want this. The person had been delivered from the evil spirit, therefore, there was freedom and this was something to rejoice in, not throw a pity party. 

Let us not forget there was a similar incident when Paul was in prison. He heard that people from another group were praying in Jesus' name and wrote:

'It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But what does it matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice.'                                                    Philippians 1:15-18  NLT

Paul rejoiced. As long as the name of Jesus was being preached, it didn't bother him. And it shouldn't you either. You may see people who you would never consider as Christians, preaching the Gospel, handing out tracts, serving in a church or generally attending your church. It doesn't matter whether you like them or get on with them. If they are promoting Jesus that is all that matters. There is no room for jealousy in God's kingdom. We're here to be His witness. If non-Christians see us squabbling over doctrine, what are they going to think? Exactly, they won't be impressed.

God has commanded that we love each other. Yes, that can be difficult at times but, you can breakthrough this block if you try. But whether you can or can't at this time, they may well be carrying the Word of God, so, let them get on with it without any bickering.

Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

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