STOP COMPARING

The 'grass is always greener' or is it? How many of us have ever been envious of someone elses seemingly perfect life? Maybe jealous of a title a person has,their education, perhaps  their home, their wealth, their success, or perhaps their family life. We don't know the whole story. Not everything that is perfect looks perfect. Even if it is, are we able  to rejoice with those who rejoice and not be envious or jealous of them? The Bible says to be content. It also says to not covet or desire people's things. And it mentions jealously too. There is much within its' pages about focusing just on getting rich too. Can you truly rejoice with those who rejoice?

Why do some folks feel they have to prove things? Many of you reading this from these United States are considered wealthy compared to many nations. Most of us have a vehicle to drive. Usually there is plenty of food on the table and so much sometimes we often gorge ourselves and get overweight. This nation in most areas is blessed with clean running water which we often waste by taking showers too long or leaving it running longer than we should. Almost everyone in America can see a doctor when they need to without a long wait. American women spend a phenomenal amount of money on beauty supplies which could be used to feed  starving people. Not attempting to guilt anyone and not saying go without makeup, just simply making a point. We are blessed with vacation time and go to nice places. I could go on but the point being, stop and count your blessings and thank God for them instead of trying to keep up with others or not being satisfied.

What does God's word say about this? In Matthew 6:24 it says "No one can serve two masters.  Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."   This does not say wealth is wrong but if you have an abundance it is not supposed to dominate your life.  Proverbs 23:5 says "Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." Proverbs 27:24 tells us "For riches do not endure forever and a crown is not secure for all generations."   In Hebrews 13:5 it says "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, never will I leave you or forsake you." In 1 Timothy 6:8 it reminds us "But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that." Philippians 4:11 also goes on to say about contentment "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." 2 Corinthians 10:5 says "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."

We should really only strive to be like God who is the only one to imitate or seek to be like.Romans 12:15 says to "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Are you able to do this when someone gets a promotion and you don't or when a friend gets accepted to a certain college and you don't? Exodus 20:17 is the last of the Ten Commandments and it mentions not coveting your neighbors things. Take a moment and read over all these commandments. It is good to review them every now and then.

So how do things stack up for you? If the 'rug of success and prosperity' were yanked out from underneath you could you still praise God even when others around you carried on as normal seemingly having no problems? I will leave you with Matthew 6:33 which says " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His  righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have complained or not been happy with what I have in life. I realize I am truly blessed. Thank you for working in my life. Help me learn to rejoice with others when good happens to them. In Jesus name. Amen.