DO NOT BE ENVIOUS OF OTHERS

8th AUGUST 2022

“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 wealth 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.

The Jews despised Jesus’s ministry out of envy, but that did not stop the glory of God from shining forth through Jesus to the whole world. Same way, some of us are also envious of the material wealth of others; inside of us, we do not want others to be as rich as we are, so we rarely give to serve the needs of the poor. If you look at your life this morning, you will notice some areas that require improvement. When you do not recognize the glory of God in others, you automatically hinder your growth. When your life is full of pride and envy, you are likely not going to grow.  

You may have riches or anointing of some sort; if you do not recognize the love and power of God in others, you will not be pleased and fulfilled. Notwithstanding the Lordship of Jesus, 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 from heaven! If you feel you have any measure of success, give thanks to God, who has freely given 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. Live your life within the WILL of God for your life. 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 what others are contributing 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 you to succeed; you aren’t likely to grow at a critical moment in life when you need others most to succeed. 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 them.

The word of God this morning is calling us to appreciate His power in the lives of people and indeed come out to help serve the needs of others as a way of serving the purpose and glory of God. When 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 lives 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