DO NOT BE ENVIOUS OF OTHERS

16th  JULY 2023

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

The road to success and recognition is full of distractions, and only the wise can go through without sinning and, still become victorious. First, by success, I do not mean being rich in terms of material acquisition; I mean being in a state of peace and harmony of both body and mind. What makes us truly happy is not the amount of material riches we have but how much of our possessions – whether material or spiritual possessions are used to serve the glory of God in terms of touching the lives of others; That is what makes us wealthy.

The Jews despised Jesus’s ministry out of envy, but that did not stop the glory of God from shining forth through Him to the whole world. Same way, some of us are envious of the material or spiritual wealth of others; We do not want others to be as rich as we are. If you look at your life this today, you will notice some areas that require improvement.  For instance, if you do not recognize the glory of God in others, then you automatically hinder your growth. When your life is full of pride and envy, you are likely not going to grow materially or spiritually.  

You may have riches or anointing of some sort; if you do not recognize the love, anointing, and power of God in others, you will neither be fulfilled nor pleased with yourself; The glory of God will not shine forth in your life.

Jesus showed a perfect example of how to appreciate the gift of God in others. Notwithstanding the fact that Jesus is the son of God, He praised the power of God in John the Baptist: Jesus said of John that no better man had been born of Women than John.

No genuine success can happen without God’s help, and a man can do nothing unless it is given to him from heaven! If you feel you have any measure of success, give thanks to God, who has freely given to you. Even Faith, we are told, is a gift from God lest anyone should boast. God gifts you with some talents and success, do not boast and exude pride by taking credit for them. Also, be very careful to know your limit. Do not declare to be what you are not. The beginning of your frustration is trying to do the things God did not intend for you, and that may make you envy others. Therefore, live in accordance with the will of God.

Furthermore, do not run-down others, or make nasty comments regarding their success or failures. You are not competent to judge. Instead, thank God always for blessing others, and for what they are able to contribute to humanity, and pray that God empowers you also to do likewise – then watch how you grow in the Lord’s blessings.

 Do not withhold help when others need your help to succeed. If you failed to help others when they need you most, you aren’t likely to grow at a critical moment in life when you equally need others most to succeed. Therefore, serve God diligently and pray for God’s blessings; appreciate the success of others and if someone is better or is more successful than you, thank God for their life.

Beloved in Christ, the word of God is telling us this morning to avoid envy and jealousy. Do not envy others no matter what they have in terms of spiritual and material gifts. Envy and resentment bring affliction to us. Most terminal ailments, as well as poverty or material/spiritual limitations, are brought about majorly due to envy and negative thoughts.  Success is from the Lord. Therefore, pray to God to grant you success as well.

Today, I am calling us to appreciate God’s love and gifts in the life of others. Let us jointly serve the need of others as a way of serving God on earth. Note also that if we do not appreciate the power and love of God in others, then we deceive ourselves and are not likely to be successful and fulfilled.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge the truth that, in man, the glory of God is revealed and reflected. May I truly see your hand in the life of others; save me from pride, envy, and gruesome deceit. Please help me remove the log in my eyes so I can see and help remove the spec in the eyes of others. Please give me the zeal to build the life of others and to wish others well in their earthly endeavours. AMEN

FURTHER READING:  Ephesians 4:29,31, Mark 7:21-22, Hebrews 3:13