Let's not become envious

 

Why is envy wrong?

Let’s not allow jealousy to occupy space in our heads

Do You Rejoice In The Success of Others?

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

Envy Reveals An Incorrect View of Many Things

When we are envious it reveals an incorrect view of God and His care for us.  It also reveals an incorrect view of the person we envy because we don’t fully understand all the realities of this person’s life. 

Finally, it reveals an incorrect view of ourselves because in a state of envy we are making comparisons regarding ourselves and our situation that diminish ourselves in unhelpful, unproductive and incorrect ways.

There are people who benefit from stirring up envy among others.  It is a good idea to avoid these people.