April 15, 2007

Don’t Hate, Celebrate!

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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 – For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Galatians 5:26 – Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

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 – In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Psalm 43:5 – 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.

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