I came across this today in my reading and thought it was very good.

[Everlasting Life]

A Heart Condition Called Envy

I watched the comedy unfold…Two dogs, one master.

The larger one, eager for approval, pushed his way forward, seeking his master's hand. The smaller one, equally eager, wormed his way between the legs of the larger, who twisted around to get a better advantage.

The result? A tangle of leashes and wills.
Both desiring approval.
Both fearful that the other would get more.
Both so focused on the other, that neither was satisfied.

People do it, too.
Why did he get that job?
Why should she get the attention?
How come he always gets the credit?

It's a disease of the heart called "envy."
Envy is obsessing over God's goodness in someone else's life,
while overlooking God's goodness in my own.

It's not hard to spot in others.
It's almost impossible to see in ourselves.

Because we don't usually just blurt out, I envy her!
Instead, we chip away in anger,
Why does everyone quote her, like she's a wizard or something?
Doesn't everyone know what he achieved by now? Can we drop it Or we reduce through comparison,
He's achieved a lot for someone from around here,
but he's done nothing on the national scene.Or, we minimize motives, I'd be generous, too, if I had their income.

It's everywhere in the Bible.
Joseph's brothers were captive to it.
King Saul was crushed by it.
Daniel's fellow leaders were controlled by it.

In fact, it seems to show up when a truly gifted person appears.
When someone does what you are known for.
When someone is gifted at what you take pride in.
When you are secretly afraid that someone is better.

God has a three-step plan for envy:
Resist comparisons.We dare not classify or compare ourselves…it is not wise. 2 Cor 10:12
Recognize God's care for you.Be content with what you have for God said, "I will never leave you." Heb 13:5
Rejoice in God's goodness to others.Rejoice with those who rejoice. Rom 12:15

Suppose one of those dogs had thought:
My master has a heart big enough for two dogs.

Our Master has a heart big enough for the whole world.
Love….does not envy. I Cor 13:4

[SteveJM]

A Heart Condition Called Envy

I watched the comedy unfold…Two dogs, one master.

The larger one, eager for approval, pushed his way forward, seeking his master's hand. The smaller one, equally eager, wormed his way between the legs of the larger, who twisted around to get a better advantage.

The result? A tangle of leashes and wills.
Both desiring approval.
Both fearful that the other would get more.
Both so focused on the other, that neither was satisfied.

People do it, too.
Why did he get that job?
Why should she get the attention?
How come he always gets the credit?

It's a disease of the heart called "envy."
Envy is obsessing over God's goodness in someone else's life,
while overlooking God's goodness in my own.

It's not hard to spot in others.
It's almost impossible to see in ourselves.

Because we don't usually just blurt out, I envy her!
Instead, we chip away in anger,
Why does everyone quote her, like she's a wizard or something?
Doesn't everyone know what he achieved by now? Can we drop it Or we reduce through comparison,
He's achieved a lot for someone from around here,
but he's done nothing on the national scene.Or, we minimize motives, I'd be generous, too, if I had their income.

It's everywhere in the Bible.
Joseph's brothers were captive to it.
King Saul was crushed by it.
Daniel's fellow leaders were controlled by it.

In fact, it seems to show up when a truly gifted person appears.
When someone does what you are known for.
When someone is gifted at what you take pride in.
When you are secretly afraid that someone is better.

God has a three-step plan for envy:
Resist comparisons.We dare not classify or compare ourselves…it is not wise. 2 Cor 10:12
Recognize God's care for you.Be content with what you have for God said, "I will never leave you." Heb 13:5
Rejoice in God's goodness to others.Rejoice with those who rejoice. Rom 12:15

Suppose one of those dogs had thought:
My master has a heart big enough for two dogs.

Our Master has a heart big enough for the whole world.
Love….does not envy. I Cor 13:4

I envy you for writing such an insightful message. Just kidding about the envy part. I thank you for your very thoughtful message that unfortunately is a real problem, not only in the world, but also in the church.

[Everlasting Life]

Your welcome SteveJM.

Have to give my pastor the credit here (as far as writing...I'm sure God had a hand in the content)...this was his weekly note he sends out to the church. I thought it was very good, and yes...will be helpful to our church members, I'm sure.

I think it will be part of his next sermon....and I'll be listening carefully, I'm sure there will be lots of good things to glean.

:-)

[SteveJM]

Your welcome SteveJM.

Have to give my pastor the credit here (as far as writing...I'm sure God had a hand in the content)...this was his weekly note he sends out to the church. I thought it was very good, and yes...will be helpful to our church members, I'm sure.

I think it will be part of his next sermon....and I'll be listening carefully, I'm sure there will be lots of good things to glean.

:-)

I didn't have my coffee today. Crazy me, I thought while you were reading, your two dogs were vying for your attention, you were inspired, and wrote this great post. You are blessed to have your pastor.

[Everlasting Life]

Yes, I agree....God has blessed our family through this pastor's teaching.

[SteveJM]

A Heart Condition Called Envy

I watched the comedy unfold…Two dogs, one master.

The larger one, eager for approval, pushed his way forward, seeking his master's hand. The smaller one, equally eager, wormed his way between the legs of the larger, who twisted around to get a better advantage.

The result? A tangle of leashes and wills.
Both desiring approval.
Both fearful that the other would get more.
Both so focused on the other, that neither was satisfied.

People do it, too.
Why did he get that job?
Why should she get the attention?
How come he always gets the credit?

It's a disease of the heart called "envy."
Envy is obsessing over God's goodness in someone else's life,
while overlooking God's goodness in my own.

It's not hard to spot in others.
It's almost impossible to see in ourselves.

Because we don't usually just blurt out, I envy her!
Instead, we chip away in anger,
Why does everyone quote her, like she's a wizard or something?
Doesn't everyone know what he achieved by now? Can we drop it Or we reduce through comparison,
He's achieved a lot for someone from around here,
but he's done nothing on the national scene.Or, we minimize motives, I'd be generous, too, if I had their income.

It's everywhere in the Bible.
Joseph's brothers were captive to it.
King Saul was crushed by it.
Daniel's fellow leaders were controlled by it.

In fact, it seems to show up when a truly gifted person appears.
When someone does what you are known for.
When someone is gifted at what you take pride in.
When you are secretly afraid that someone is better.

God has a three-step plan for envy:
Resist comparisons.We dare not classify or compare ourselves…it is not wise. 2 Cor 10:12
Recognize God's care for you.Be content with what you have for God said, "I will never leave you." Heb 13:5
Rejoice in God's goodness to others.Rejoice with those who rejoice. Rom 12:15

Suppose one of those dogs had thought:
My master has a heart big enough for two dogs.

Our Master has a heart big enough for the whole world.
Love….does not envy. I Cor 13:4

Great post!

[mattfivefour]

I agree. An excellent post! You are blessed to have that man as your pastor!