Thursday, March 26, 2009
Love does not Envy
Envy. Jealousy. Covetousness. These words are very descriptive of the sin of not being content with what we have. We all face the temptation of being jealous when someone else receives a blessing - whether it's a vacation, new car, marriage, a child, etc... Love does not envy. If we are truly desiring to show Christ's love to others, we will not be envious of others. Rather we will rejoice with others (Romans 12:15). Why is it so tempting to be envious and how can we battle against this sin?
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2 comments:
While I do think much of it comes down to not being content, I don't think we should stop right there. Rather, why or when do we become discontent?
Whenever I think of contentment, I think of Paul when he says in Philippians that he has learned to be content in "whatsoever state" he was in (Philippians 4:11). Also, Hebrews 13:5 exhorts us to "be content with such things as ye have" and I love what it says after that, "because he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
That brings me around to your question. Paul learned how to, so how can we battle against discontentment? For me, the "key" is right there. Jesus Christ will never leave us or forsake us. Remembering we have everything that counts in Jesus Himself, and also trusting that when needs arise, He will supply in His perfect time.
Along with the verses above, I also like to remind myself of Matthew 6:19-21. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Then ask of myself, "where is my treasure right now?"
The sum of my thoughts is this (and it applies in all areas of our spiritual walk, not only contentment): When we keep our eyes, our focus, on Jesus Christ, other things don't matter nearly so much. It's when we look away, even a tiny bit, that we'll begin to sink. (Peter is a perfect example of that in Matthew 14:22-33.)
These are great thoughts! What a joy to discipline our minds in God's Word. Thanks for sharing.
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