BEWARE OF ENVIOUS SPIRIT
Main text: Psalm 37:1 –‘Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong’
‘Envying, murders, drunkenness, revelling and such like: I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God’ – Galatians 5:21
Envy means resentful desire of something possessed by another. It is not limited to material possessions. One counsellor notes: ‘When we climb on board the seesaw of envy, we think straight down while the focus of our discontentment rises far above us. In this out of balance comparison, we always find ourselves wanting’. Envy leads to self-pity and ingratitude. It gnaws at you like a leech. When we are preoccupied with our dissatisfaction, it is impossible to enjoy what we have and what we are doing. Envy leads to bitterness, resentment and hostility towards the envied.
You are a unique person with your own special capabilities, timetable and destiny. It makes no sense to compare oneself with others. An honest and grateful look at your God given assets will help you become satisfied with what you have and who you are. Do not let the spirit of envy steal away your happiness. When it motivates you to compare yourself to others, you always come up short. It makes you cynical and there is nothing you do that makes you satisfied anymore. Envy makes you suspicious of other people’s motives, even when they genuinely care about you. You find it hard to believe that their friendship is real so, you distant yourself from them and end up with few friends. What is the answer? Acceptance and gratitude are the antidotes for the envious person. Accepting that God is in charge and learning to be thankful for the many kinds of blessing that surround you. Remember, God has given you special abilities. Use these abilities to help others.
ENVY IS AN ENEMY TO YOUR PROGRESS, AVOID IT
Prayer Point: Let the spirit of contentment rest on me to continually stay happy.
BY BISHOP NGOZI DURUEKE (HE REIGNS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL) To send your testimony, write us: mylivingwaterdevotional@gmail.com.