When the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the part of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. (Acts 5:17-18)
Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” When others are promoted ahead of us, get the credit for something we’ve participated in, are successful in an endeavor and we’re not, or get the new dream house we can’t afford, we’re jealous. It’s human nature. Hopefully, we recognize the need to pray before we retaliate out of selfish ambition. When we count others as more significant than ourselves and can be happy for them, God will promote us also.
Caiaphas, the high priest, acted from selfish ambition when he arrested the apostles and put them in jail. James 3:15 tells us: “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” Apostles don’t retaliate, they trust God for revenge.
Father God, I praise you for Your wisdom. Let me congratulate my neighbors and coworkers for their successes and be happy for them. Help me trust Your word that you will promote me when I humble myself under Your mighty hand. I pray in Jesus’ precious and holy name, amen.