138 – When You Feel Unappreciated

The Bible Speaks to You: Think, Pray, Love like Jesus

The Bible Speaks to You: Think, Pray, Love like Jesus
138 – When You Feel Unappreciated
May 31, 2022 Episode 138
James Early

138 – What do you do when you feel unappreciated?

Have you ever felt your talents and abilities were underutilized on a project you were working on? People just don’t seem to appreciate how much you have to offer at work, at church, or wherever? You just don’t get the recognition, or the leadership opportunities you deserve?

I have felt that way many times over the years. And along with those feelings would come the little voice in my head, “If I were in charge, I would do things differently”, or “I could do such a much better job than they are.”

I really don't feel that way anymore. But I'm reminded of them every time I read the story of Absalom, one of King David's sons.

This week's episode explores how Absalom approached these feelings:

  • He felt unappreciated and underutilized 
  • All the while he believed he could do a better job
  • He wanted a position of authority
  • He plotted and schemed to get revenge instead of seeking justice through the appropriate channels
  • He flattered the people and won their loyalty away from King David
  • He even planned to make himself King in Hebron

Unfortunately Absalom met an untimely death. All his plotting and planning got him nowhere in the long run.  His egotism and self-will were actually part of his downfall, even though that's what he thought would get him what he wanted.

Another "Son of David"

We have a better example of how to live our lives from another one of David's sons, and I don't mean Solomon. He had his problems as well.

I mean THE Son of David, Christ Jesus.

Jesus took the exact opposite approach from Absalom in the way he  lived his life

  • He didn't seek his own glory
  • He came as a humble servant instead of being a mighty earthly ruler
  • He did not do his own will. He did the Father's will
  • Absalom made himself a judge to get his will. Jesus made himself not a judge by listening to and obeying God's will

If you’re ever in a situation where you’re seeking a position of authority or leadership, whether at work or at church, or you’re impelled to seek public office on a local, state, or national

Text me your questions or comments.

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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.