In review of 1 Corinthians 4:7-8 it says, “Isn’t everything I have and everything I am are sheer gifts from God? So what’s the point of all this comparing and competing? I already have all I need” (The Message).
What do I have that God hasn't given me? If everything I have is from God, then why boast as though it were not a gift? Why compare and complete. For I already have everything that I need.
Instead of focusing on what I don’t have and what didn’t happen, I can choose to be grateful for what I have and what has happened. However, this doesn’t come naturally, not even for the apostle Paul, who said, “I have learned to be content.” Being content is a learning process.
It’s hard to admit that I struggle with envy because it’s such an ugly emotion. When I’m envious of others, I really want them to fail, because it makes me feel better that they don’t have more than I do. That’s pretty crazy, isn’t it? If I can learn to be grateful for what I have, I can begin to get rid of these feelings of envy.
It’s important to understand that envy is not about having a desire or a dream or a goal. It’s good to have those. Envy is not about looking forward to something or hoping that something can happen in my life or even wondering if I should have something. Instead, envy is resenting somebody who has already obtained what I desire or who has reached a goal I have yet to attain. Envy says I can’t be happy until I get that desire or reach that goal. Envy is not being grateful for what I already have.
The Bible tells me that I already have more than I need and far more than I deserve. Every good thing in my life is a gift from God, and it is up to him to decide when and how he blesses me. It’s up to me to choose to be grateful and make the most of what I’ve been given.
In summary, everything I have and am are gifts from God. I should need to compare or compete with the others. If everything I have is from God, then why boast as if it wasn't a gift. God gives me everything I need. Instead of focusing on what I don't have or what didn't happen, I can choose to be grateful for what I have and what has happened. Like Paul, I can learn to be content as contentment is a learning process. I need to be cautious of envy. Envy is resenting someone who has already obtained what I desire or has reached a goal I have yet to obtain. Envy is not being grateful for what I already have. I have everything I need and far more than I deserve. Every good thing in my life is a gift from Go. It's up to him to decide when and how he blesses me. It's up to me to choose to be grateful and to make the most of what God has given me.
Father I pray that I reflect and absorb all that you have already given me. I pray that you help me to stay away from envy. I also ask for your wisdom and guidance for me day. Allow me to lead well, interact in a loving manner and look to serve. These things I pray in your Son Jeus name, amen.
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