What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have… You are jealous of what others have (James 4:1-2).
Theodore Roosevelt once said that comparison is the thief of joy. When we think through about envy, it really makes no sense. We may just be comparing our situation with the attractive parts of someone else’s, not even considering their problems or challenges. If we looked at their whole picture, we may not be quite so quick to be jealous or envious.
Envy has no place in the life of a believer. The word says that it replaces the spirit of God within us! God, in His grace and wisdom, gave each believer gifts and talents. When we use them with His help, to do His will, we are the best us. To desire what another has or does replaces God’s best with a counterfeit.
We may not be the perfect spouse, parent, housekeeper, student or friend. We may not have the best or latest. But God provides and equips us with just what we need for the purpose that He has especially for us.
Looking Up 