Sometimes in the music ministry, we are given to overlooking a lot of problems. We somehow don't seem to think that jealousy in the choir or among the praise team is something that needs to be aggressively dealt with.

On the one hand, we say "We are ministers of music!" and go to all kinds of Scriptures that bring out Levitical duties of ministering in song, how David played the evil spirit out of Saul, etc. We are also quick to outline the importance of music when the question of being paid comes to the table . . . then we are ministers, buddy!

On the other hand, we tolerate things that we would never expect to be tolerated in other forms of ministry . . . such as ministering the Word. We wouldn't expect jealousy to be tolerated among those that minister the Word, right? Well, then it can't be tolerated among the musicians, either.

Is jealousy all that bad? Well, let's see . . .jealousy caused the first murder. And for those who think that jealousy won't get that far in the church, please keep in mind that the first murder was among brothers! Cain killed Abel because Abel's offering was accepted and Cain's wasn't. God reasoned with Cain, letting Cain know that his offering would be accepted too . . . . God is no respecter of persons.

But Cain chose to kill Abel rather than simply live right himself.

And it is easier for some people to kill another person's reputation than simply live right themselves.

Folks, there is no room for jealousy in the music ministry. So what if Sis Susie used to go to the club and now is singing . . . at least she isn't in the club anymore. Don't kill her witness by saying she used to run around with the wrong people; she isn't running around with them anymore!

Don't be jealous of Bro Charlie's playing and try to kill his witness by telling everyone his first marriage ended. He is a new creation in Christ, old things are passed away and all things are become new!

Uh . . . by the way, how do you know that Susie was in the club?

And how do you know so much about Charlie's first marriage?

Jealousy reveals foolishness. It reveals the fact that you know more than you should know if you were always living right yourself! It reveals talebearers and gossipers. Let's decide there is no more place for it in our choirs and on our praise teams.

Let's pray. "Father GOD, how we love You! Yes, we love You so much! You have so gifted our brothers and sisters to sing and play and minister to You and for You. The flesh is so weak, and sometimes when it is obvious the You have really gifted someone else . . . jealousy tries to creep in. Give us the wisdom and discernment to deal with it, so it has no place among Your ministers of music. Thank You GOD, all this we pray in That Name Above All Names, that Name of Jesus . . Amen and Amen!"

Be Blessed, everyone!