We usually aren’t envious of the success of those who are high above us, because we know we’ll probably never reach their rank anyway. Nor are we filled with jealousy when people far beneath us accomplish something, for they are not threat to us. But when someone of our own rank or calling is successful, especially if he’s our rival, we’re tempted to reach with envy. Lawyers are jealous of lawyers; hairdressers of hairdressers; preachers of preachers. We can overcome the sin of jealousy, however, if we replace our pride with a genuine acceptance of others.
For many years Sir Walter Scott was the leading literary figure in the British Empire. No one could write as well as he. Then the works of Lord Byron began to appear, and their greatness was immediately evident. Soon an anonymous critic praised his poems in a London paper. He declared that in the presence of these brilliant works of poetic genius, Scott could no longer be considered the leading poet of England. It was later discovered that the unnamed reviewer had been none other than Sir Walter Scott himself!
How clearly this pictures the attitude we should have when one of our peers achieves success! If the unconditional love of Christ abides within us, we can avoid becoming jealous of the fellow employee who gets the promotion, the classmate who gets the big date with the sports hero, or the teammate who scores the winning goal. Let’s ask the Lord to help us respond with Christlike love. It’s the best antidote for jealousy. – David C. Egner
Christ’s love is to puffed-up, unkind,
It gladly will the broken bind;
It envies not, its patient still,
Delights to do the Father’s will. – Stahl, alt.
THOT: A daily dose of Christlike love will heal the heart disease of jealousy.
- January 13, 1983, Our Daily Bread
For You 