I recently heard a testimony from someone where God worked out some cool stuff. I immediately became envious. Why can’t I get this hidddn insight or “just so happens” circumstances? This is the beginning of the opposite of thanksgiving.
I was reminded, today, that God doesn’t talk to all his children the same. I felt like God was saying “Do you really want me to talk to you the way I talk to so and so? Wouldn’t you rather me talk to you like you’re you and not them?”
God doesn’t lead us the same.
God doesn’t talk to us the same.
God doesn’t bless us the same.
But he does love us the same
To envy, or covet, another’s blessings is to not appreciate the unique relationship I have with God. God has and will line things up for me as needed.
Ungratefulness is not the opposite of thankfulness, envy is. Not being happy with what you have, who you are or how many in your youth group compared to what somebody else has down the street isn’t healthy.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. Exodus 20:17
Life is longer than we think, let’s not judge God in the short term circumstance we find ourselves in. Instead take the advice of Paul,
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11,12