We may find it difficult to celebrate the success of
others. Oddly enough, we may find it difficult to celebrate the success of
people we love and care about the most.
It’s strange but the success of others can sometimes
feel as if it minimizes our achievements, or magnifies our lack of achievement.
These feelings often have a lot to do with
comparison. If we are caught up in comparing ourselves to others and they are
experiencing great achievement and success it is likely we will feel that we do
not measure up.
Of course, the simple solution is this: Don’t
compare yourself to others! But it is so natural for us to compare ourselves to
others that it is almost impossible not to enter into this way of thinking. We
make the comparisons even though we know we should not. We make the comparisons
even though we know it will surely lead to frustration.
In addition to the problem of comparison, the
success of others can stir up a desire in us to have what they have. If this
happens we are heading down another dead end road. In fact, envy may even be a
more troublesome impulse in us than the inclination toward comparison.
The two of them together create quite the double
whammy.
As we walk with God and genuinely learn to find our
sense of value, dignity and worth in Him, we do not feel threatened by the
success of others, in fact, we can truly rejoice in the success of others.
Okay, I admit I’m still a work in progress in this
matter. I do not always find myself experiencing wonderful feelings of delight
as I rejoice in the success of others. But I recognize the importance, the
value, the freedom and the potential joy that comes to those who can put aside
comparison and envy. That recognition helps.
Just think how nice it would be to truly live
without envy. Think how nice it would be to see someone you know experiencing
great success and genuinely experiencing feelings of joy and happiness for the
person. That is a significant level of maturity. It is a good way to live. I
mentioned the word “freedom” earlier in this post. To be able to rejoice in the
success of others is an authentic form of freedom.
This Christ-like attitude is a form of freedom and
joy I desire.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice…!” Romans 12:15
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