Why Are You So Jealous

The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. (Proverbs 18:18)

Thought For Today: 
During olden times, when men were chosen for positions of leadership, lots were cast. It was somewhat like the game we play of drawing the shortest or longest straw to see who goes first.  When the apostles needed someone to replace Judas in order to have twelve apostles, scripture said, "For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:20-26).  They cast lots for fairness and to ensure there were no contention.  That way the other person had no room to be angry or disagree with who was selected because it was fair for all. Matthias was chosen after the lots fell to him and we read nothing of Joseph Justus having any anger.  I believe that he continued to support the work of the Lord.  We must not get jealous when our name is not called. We must not get jealous when someone gets a blessing and you remain in want. We must not get jealous when the spotlight seems to be on someone who has not piad their dues like you have. Maybe we need to return to this principle.  It would prevent hardships between people and keep the unity of the body.