Brothers and sisters, there are
going to be times in our lives when someone else gets
an unexpected blessing or receives some
special recognition. May I plead with us not to be
hurt--and certainly not to feel envious--when good fortune
comes to another person? We are not diminished when
someone else is added upon. We are not in a race
against each other to see who is the wealthiest
or the most talented or the most beautiful or
even the most blessed. The race we are really in
is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of
the most universal of those. Furthermore, envy is a mistake
that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little
when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to
suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that
is--downing another quart of pickle juice every time
anyone around you has a happy moment!
Coveting, pouting, or
tearing others down does not elevate your standing,
nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be
grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.