Jealousy

As a pastor I think I am contractually obligated to say that jealousy is not a good thing. There is no fruit of the spirit that grows from the seed of envy, no Christian practice designed to increase covetousness. Point in fact, there may be a commandment or two that speaks less than highly of being a jealous person. And yet, I must confess to the millstone around my neck. I have been the cause of jealousy among people I know. I confess that I have been a goad towards that green monster of envy. I confess I have made friends stumble and, worst of all, I have enjoyed it.

You see, I have been a part of a preaching cohort this year which has put me in contact with ministers from around the country and from many different denominations. It has been an opportunity to see different preaching styles and gain valuable feedback on my own preaching with others who practice this rather unique craft week in and week out. There is a lot about preaching that crosses denominational lines. It is rare for a table conversation around font size and paragraph spacing to elicit excitement and genuine interest in any other setting, but with these people it does and it did. Despite our connections and despite the mutual opportunities for learning and growth, I hold one thing over their heads. Each week on Tuesday mornings a group from our church consecrates the ground around a Panera table, blesses the too hot coffee, and gathers to discuss the sermon text for the coming week. There are questions and stories and sometimes a few dumbfounded stares wondering why the pastor selected these two texts together. The gathered provide insight and perspective from their lives and occasionally completely transform the direction of a sermon. Just describing this group to my peer preachers is dangerous with Satan crouching just out of sight on their Zoom screen waiting to pounce on the surge of jealousy that will result.

And so, if you too enjoy causing other people to struggle with the sin of jealousy, make sure you mark on your calendars that the lectionary breakfast is changing. No longer will you suffering servants need to descend upon Panera and carry the cross of their coffee. No longer will you early birds have to twiddle your thumbs for thirty minutes after your preferred meeting time. Lectionary breakfast is moving to Z Beans in Mercer Village at 8 am starting this Tuesday, August 3. The time is earlier and the coffee is better, but the conversation will be just as good. Together we can ensure that pastors across the country will have the opportunity to practice repentance and ask for forgiveness for certainly, they will be jealous.