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Are You Envious?

Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days.
1 Samuel 18:29

Dr. Seuss wrote hundreds of children’s stories. One of his most famous was about The Grinch, a cartoon character who got so jealous of others, he would bite himself! Envy does that; it makes you target others but ends up consuming you. In the Old Testament God blessed King Saul and elevated him to the highest position in Israel. But when David’s great military accomplishments were recognized by the people, Saul became insecure and threatened. Instead of rejoicing that God had sent David to help him fight the enemy, Saul grew resentful and became “David’s enemy from that time forward.” Envy is so destructive; it poisons your life by making you: a) compare yourself unfavorably with others b) forfeit your joy and contentment c) become ungrateful and self-centered d) assume that God’s resources aren’t sufficient for Him to bless others and still bless you. Go back, re-examine those four things and ask, ‘Are they working in my life?’ Saul’s envy so preoccupied him that he neglected what was really important, brought pain and suffering all around and eventually destroyed his own family and future. When you’re unable to rejoice in the success of others, you’re on dangerous ground! Don’t let envy infect your attitude; repent before it robs you of your destiny. Remember, God made all of us His children when none of us deserved it! So whenever you feel resentful toward some, ask God to remind you of the many ways He’s blessed you - when you didn’t deserve it!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all the wonderful things you are doing through the people around me, and through me – in spite of me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen