Envy Is A Trap
"The quiet heart gives life to the body, but envy corrodes the bones. Proverbs 14:30 NIV
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As humans, we are naturally interested in the lives of others. We are fascinated by how others see themselves, act, speak and live. There is nothing wrong with that, the matter becomes a problem only when we get annoyed at the way God made others, reject how God made us, and start envying what others possess.
"Why can she live in that house?" "Why did they give him that job?" "Why can not I be this attractive, so rich, so smart, so famous, I want your ministry"
1. ENVY DENIES YOUR UNIQUENESS.
to. "Just as there are not two identical snowflakes, there are no two" equal "human beings. Even identical twins are not completely identical!
b. We have fingerprints, eyes, a tone of voice, footprints and unique heartbeats. Nobody has ever been, nor ever will be, like you. "
c. "God never creates clones, he never copies what he has already done, and he never duplicates a plan of life. God only produces original masterpieces. "So if you imitate you limit yourself, God is original and you will never do anything equal to others.
2. "ENVY DIVIDE YOUR ATTENTION"
to. "You can not completely concentrate on becoming what God wants you to be and envying others at the same time. Jesus said: "No one who looks back after putting his hand on the plow is fit for the kingdom of God."
b. If you are always worried about observing what others are doing, or wanting what others have, you will not be able to see what God is doing in your life. "
c. "Only you can live the life that God designed for you to live. (People who want to be like actors, artists, celebrities. "" Will always lead you to frustration, fatigue and failure. "
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3. ENVY WASTE YOUR TIME AND YOUR ENERGY
to. Solomon noted that it is out of envy that most people work too much. He gives the example: of a man who as a result "never stopped worrying; His riches never seemed too much to him! "For" "who worked so much, and I abstain from good things?" He asked. This is also absurd, and a painful task! "
b. Sometimes we are so busy envying the lives of others that we waste our time, in fulfilling God's purpose and plan for our lives.
4. "ENVY IS AN ENEMY OF CONTENTMENT.
to. Envy says: "I always have to have more: more money, more possessions, more power, prestige, pleasure and popularity", we live comparing ourselves with others.
b. We grow up comparing everything: appearance, grades in school, athletic ability and other talents. As adults, we compare clothes, cars
, the houses, how much we earn.
c. Many kill themselves trying to equal or overcome those who envy. The Bible says that is foolish: "Do not be anxious about accumulating riches; do not get obsessed with them ".
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5. "STEPS TO ERADICATE ENVY
to. Stop comparing yourself with others!
b. Celebrate the goodness of God for others. How do you receive promotions from your colleagues, friends and family?
c. "Be grateful for who you are and what you have. "Enjoy what you have instead of wanting what you do not have.
d. "Trust in God when life seems unfair. "It's not fair! It's not fair that he does not have what they have! "
All we have is an undeserved gift from God. Let's be grateful for what we have. Let's stop comparing ourselves with others and accept what we are and have. And we will be very happy.
