I just began reading Craig Groeschel’s newest book, #Struggles. If the rest of the book is like his first chapter, it will be a wealth of good stuff.
Many people (possibly most of us?) struggle with envy. We have this strong drive to compare. It starts early in life and for some, it never quits. In fact, for many it becomes a stronger emotion which drives them. I don’t have all the answers to the problem but Craig gives some good thoughts on handling this problem of comparison.
First take a look at this Scripture. Andy Stanley once said, “There is no win in comparisons.” If that is the case, how do we kill comparisons (or at least stop it from dominating our lives)?
- Understand envy is demonic. James tells us this. Where envy is, there is disorder. Where envy is, there is every evil practice. Envy isn’t just unhealthy. In God’s eyes, it’s downright sinful. I’ve noticed when I have allowed myself to get caught up in envy, it spreads like a wildfire. It sort of feeds off itself.
- Celebrate other people’s successes. Instead of clamoring for the same thing or wishing you could have what they have, celebrate with them. I like the phrase Craig used: “Suffocate the flames of envy with a blanket of gratitude.”
- Cultivate gratitude. Envy is resenting God’s goodness in another person’s life and ignoring His goodness in our own! Let’s focus on the good things God has given us!
Have a good (focused) week!
I’m reading the same book right now! 29% done with it.
Celebrate other people’s successes – that’s what I am trying to do whenever I feel like comparing myself to someone. It doesn’t always work, but whenever it does, there’s joy in it.
Granted, it helps also that I am not really competitive. Most of the time, I don’t really care whether I win or lose (as long as the person I lose to is a friend and I can rejoice with them).
The joy is special Zee when you rejoice with others. Let me know what you think of the book.
Wow, Bill! Yours is the third post I’ve read today that deals with the problems caused by comparing ourselves with and/or envying others. Maybe God wants me to truly take heed???
I agree with you that envy is demonic – it tears at the very fabric of our souls – and we should smother those flames with gratitude blankets for all God has done for us.
Blessings!
For the most part I am not envious of material things. I can also rejoice when others get ahead. But there are those times….
Great message! From David Beckwith via email.
Thanks David.
I’m so glad envy was a big sin that I dealt with a time ago and laid it to rest. It sure doesn’t help especially when God gives me all I need.
That is the key Ed. Understand God gives us what we need.
Comparisons is a topic that comes into my writing & speaking often. This struggle seems to permeate every area of our life, especially all of our other struggles. Being thankful for who God created me to be is incredibly freeing. Sometimes my prayer is “I don’t understand why you made me this way God, but I trust you know what you’re doing.” The struggle with envy & comparisons is very real.
You are right Kari about being thankful for who God created us to be. It frees us big time.
The comparison trap is like quicksand. It just makes us sink into the quagmire of envy, covetousness, anger, bitterness. I truly believe that it is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons. To make us look at others, and avoid looking at ourselves.
We should instead be grateful for all that God does – whether it’s in our own personal lives, or in the lives of others. Every time the Kingdom of God is advanced, it’s a victory!
GOD BLESS!
Envy ensures that we will never be satisfied. There will always be people who have more than us. More ‘stuff’, more talents, more opportunities.
If we compare ourselves with those who have more it will produce envy. If we compare ourselves with those who have less, we will have a false sense of superiority.
I don’t struggle too badly, but it does rear its head from time to time.