Gen 16:1-15, 4 …When she knew that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress (NIV)
Hagar’s story, a maidservant to Abram’s wife Sarai has important life lessons. It all began with Sarai’s suggestion to Abram to have Hagar as a secondary in order for Sarai to have children by her. No sooner had Hagar become pregnant with child that she began to despise Sarai her mistress.
Circumstances can bring to surface hidden attitudes never imagined existed in the heart. Success in my judgement is a great tool for testing the heart. Right temperatures will hatch something. All attention Sarai enjoyed was now being shared with Hagar as a co wife (not as a maid servant) which started tensions. Hagar a nobody became a somebody (successful), but rather than live in humility and submission, her attitude changed. She considered her self equal or even superior for she was young, prettier and fruitful. She forgot how she was obtained her new status. How many have helped family members or friends succeed only to be despised after success was realized? Beware, success has it’s own challenges. The first lesson to learn, be good to the people on your way up the ladder because you’ll meet and need them on your way down.