The Mariam Dilemma
Most of us know what it is like to be a sibling, we have a bond with our brothers and sisters and a deep love that is really hard to describe. So if you are reading this and you are an only child let me try to describe it – think of your best friend and then multiply the love you have for them by ten thousand and that is a love for a sibling.
Mariam was the sister of Moses, she was the big sis! Mariam was sharp on her feet, for when Moses was put in the basket in the Nile River – God used her to protect him. She appeared when Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby. She asked the Princess “should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” The Princess said,” Yes, do!” (Exodus 7-9) Mariam brought back her mother to the Princess! She was a protector of Moses from the beginning. Siblings love to protect each other!
She was also a leader among her people! God used Mariam and she was called a prophet of God. She would receive revelations from God and had musical skills. Prophecy and music go together often to praise our God and deliver His Word.
When Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt and they crossed the Red Sea and Mariam led the women in worship! Their prayer had been answered to leave Egypt and they were giving God the glory through music – through worship!!
“Then Miriam the prophet, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourine and danced. And Mariam sang this song: ‘Sing to the Lord,
For he has triumphed gloriously,
He has hurled both horses and rider,
Into the sea.’ ” (Exodus 15:20-21)
Mariam was a strong supporter of both her brothers – Moses and Aaron – and helped lead the people alongside them. She led people to praise God and was a prophetess. God had chosen her for many wonderful roles – she was brave, dedicated, and determined.
So with all this going for her, how could she become envious and jealous of her brother Moses?
God laid it on my heart to have us look deep into our own lives with our siblings. Have we ever resented or grown jealous of a sibling even though we know our love is so so deep for them? 
Well…this is exactly what happened with Mariam. She truly loved Moses but grew jealous of the role God gave him.
Mariam’s weakness was comparison that turned into jealousy and the mistake she made was to openly criticize her brother.
See, Mariam was given talents and gifts by God, BUT she wanted what Moses had with God. The gifts & talents God has given us is a privilege and responsibility. We need to realize this and treat them accordingly.
Stop comparing & criticizing what others have from God – at home or at work! Does it matter what leader has more or less than you? This is truly God’s business, not yours. God does not compare us to others, so neither should we. (Ah ha for me!)
Don’t let comparison rob you of your joy! Comparison can often turn into jealousy and jealousy turn into criticism and then discontentment. We then get so angry and develop a negative attitude until we become bitter – all because we compare our gifts to someone else’s gifts. We become a critic and grasp at anything possible to lift us up to the spot light and bring darkness to the one we are criticizing.
Before criticizing someone else, we need to pause long enough to discover our own motives. Failing to do this can bring disastrous results. What is often labeled “constructive criticism” may actually be destructive jealousy, since the easiest way to raise our own status is to bring someone else down. Are you willing to question your own motives before you offer criticism? Does the critical finger you point need to be pointed first toward yourself?” The motives behind criticism are often more important to deal with than the criticism itself.
Mariam was jealous of her brother. She thought Moses was getting all of God’s attention – so she started to criticize him and his wife (ouch!) and this made God very angry!!
She lost her FOCUS on what God had called her to do and only focused on what Moses was called to do!! It took leprosy to snap her out of her wrong perspective. Thankfully her very humble brother prayed and asked God to heal her – and God did! Siblings really do have our backs and love us so deeply – even if we do loose focus for a minute.
God knows all. He knows our attitude and will help us improve it as He sees fit. So start today to have an attitude for God or He will adjust it!!
Phew… Miriam’s story resignates with me deeply. There have been many times as a sibling and a working woman that I have compared, criticized, and complained about my sibling or a colleague. My thoughts and words would be…how did that person get to that position, I surely could do that better than them, why are they getting all the attention from mom and dad?
When you have these moments of comparison, we need to think of Mariam. We need to be reminded to focus on the gifts and talents God has given us! God never promised us our lives would be fair or easy, but He did promise us grace and His son and the Holy Spirit! 
The questions to ponder as you grow as a Christian woman at home and at work… Am I humble like Moses? Am I jealous like Mariam? Have I lost my focus? Am I a critic? Is comparison an issue in my life?
Don’t let the disease of comparison bring you to jealousy and have you become a critic that lives a life against God’s purpose for you!!
We can learn from Mariam! Stay focused on God and desire to give God glory with your gifts and talents! We are each special in God’s eyes.
Always stay Rooted.
We love you!
Lisa & Heather
