Both envy and zeal can be described as fervent longing. But the object of the longing distinguishes one from the other.
Envy – ‘a painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage’ – can blind us from God’s grace in our own life, can harden our hearts + attitudes, promote self-pity and barrel into total depravity.
Comparison. Comparing our lowlights with another’s highlights and our lacks with another’s abundance encourages envy and vice-versa comparison champions pride.
Either way, ‘comparison kills’.
Instead, when the flame of jealousy begins to flicker, let’s talk to God about it. Let’s start thanking Him for all that He has done, is doing and will do.
Let’s do that now.
Father, thank You for saving us.
Thank You that we can talk to You anytime, anywhere, all the time because of Jesus Christ. Thank You that we don’t need to act or hide behind a mask with You. Thank You that You see every corner of our hearts and You love us and want a relationship with us. Please disturb our perception when jealousy colours our vision with shades of discontentment, anger, self-pity and ungratefulness.
Lord, sometimes I feel like I’m missing out, I long for things that others have or are able to do and it threatens to influence my love for others, it dulls my mood and I forget Your goodness. I’m sorry Lord. But I thank You that even if I miss out on certain things which the world around me seems to be delighting in, I have the ability to read and access Your Word which brings such life, clarity, peace, joy and love. Truly a delight! In Jesus’ Name, I speak against self-pity, because I possess the richest treasure, the most blessed portion, a sure inheritance – YOU.
Ah, Father, cause us not to look from the habits, passions and life that You died for and delivered us from. When the world begs for my attention and affection, please give me the strength to not give in but give out shouts of praise to You. Thank You for the future that you have in store for us.
Because no matter what happens, I know one thing is sure – my faith will turn to sight at Your return.
Love You Lord.
Redeemer's Scribe 