How To ThriveSample

How To Survive THRIVE - Emotionally

Day 4: Jealousy

 

Most people would not openly admit to the emotion of jealousy, however it is one emotion activated by the action of comparison, that subtly and silently climbs into the driving seat of our lives and puts pressure on the gas pedal. When we compare ourselves to others we rob ourselves of the joy of our uniqueness. In the same way that it is foolish to ever believe that a dog can meow or that a cat can bark, so is it equally foolish to measure yourself against someone else’s life template.  It is a sure way to fuel jealousy and a deep sense of discontentment of self. It will rob you of the plan and purpose for your life.

The enemy has two primary strategies; the first is to try keep people from making a commitment to Christ, failing which,  the second is to keep Christ-followers from being effective in their purpose and calling. Side-tracking us into comparing and measuring ourselves against others is a sure strategy to keep us from being effective, as we are too busy trying to be something we are not. We become so consumed with jealousy at what others have or are, that we lose sight of the giftings and abilities we uniquely possess. 

Galatians 6:4-5 “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” 

Contentment comes when we are focused on being who we were created to be, no one else. Work hard at being the BEST version of yourself, know WHO YOU ARE in Christ - this way you will live a rich and satisfying life. Don't let the enemy rob, steal or destroy this identity through the behaviour of comparison and the emotion of jealousy.

Written by Madz Deyzel | Grace Counselling Director