Numbers 16:1-2a Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent and rose up against Moses.
Lack of self-identity and insecurity can make people insolent and envious. While jealousy stops with ‘low-self esteem’ and ‘inferiority complex’, envy is demonic. Envious people are not only insecure but are also greedy. They want the blessing, success and promotion of someone else but don’t have the discipline to earn it. Moses, the pastor and prophet of Israel, carried them throughout the journey across the wilderness like a father. Yet, Korah, Dathan and Abiram rose up against Moses and confronted him in envy and rage. They said, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?” (vs 3). They also gathered 250 well-known community leaders with them to rebel against Moses.
Those who do not know who they are, their strengths, their purpose and calling will foster insecurity and envy. They cannot admire another person’s success nor can they appreciate or enjoy the anointing/talent/gift of another person. Such people are cynical, critical and crude.
Our self-identity is reshaped as we renew our mind in the Lord every day. Only when we see ourselves the way God sees us, can we build a strong self-identity and confidence. Renewing our mind is nothing but laying down our thoughts, intentions and plans on the altar and allowing the fire of God to burn, selfishness, ego/pride and ugliness hidden in our heart. Renewing our mind is recommitting to think, walk and live like Jesus.
Renew Your Identity:
1. Remove: Remove irrational expectations, anger and hurt that are occupying your memory space by renewing your mind. Get rid of jealousy before it turns into envy.
2. Rewire: Rewire your thinking to meditate on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy.
3. Renew: Renew your mind with the Word of God. Declaring the promises of God over our lives everyday transforms our self-image and builds our identity in Christ.
Renew your self-identity by meditating on God’s Word.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, if there is any trace of jealousy or envy in me, burn it with your holy fire. I surrender. Amen.
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