Jealousy/Envy Don't Hate, Celebrate! | Don't Hate, Celebrate! |
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| Written by Hamp Lee III | |
| Monday, 16 April 2007 | |
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Throughout our lives we will meet people with great gifts, talents, and abilities. We admire their work and see the fruits of their labor born for good. If we are not careful, we will become envious of their 'success.' We will desire the same while looking at our own shortcomings and becoming sad, disappointed, and hurt. Why doesn't God use me like that? James 3:16 (NIV) - For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. Galatians 5:26 (NIV) - Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. With envy come disorder and every evil practice. We may try to sabotage that individual's work through word or deed. We may try to find 'successes' in our own right by moving outside of God's will. We will also be prone to bitterness and hatred.These are not the behaviors God want us to display. Instead of being upset, disappointed, and jealous, we should be thankful for the person's gift. There should be no competition among Christians for we are all out for the same goal. Let us congratulate the person for their obedience to God and assist them where we can. Don't hinder their work for the Lord, support it through prayer, affirmation, and good works. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) - Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Psalm 43:5 (KJV) - Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. |