LOVE DOES NOT ENVY OTHERS

When you love someone you are happy for them and rejoice with them when good things happen in their life. You are not jealous of them if they get ahead, are honored, lose lots of weight , publish a book, get promoted, are voted queen, or win a race. It is tempting to feel envious of people who are succeeding when you may not be. God has a plan and purpose for everyone's life. Are you able to praise a friend who has had something good happen to them or do you get jealous?

Lately in the US government there is a move afoot to make people "without" envy those who “have“. They are calling it "income inequality". All this attempts to do is divide the classes of people and create envy. The more people hear this they start wanting other peoples things and their money, even if they did not work to earn it.

The Bible tells us in Exodus 20:17(NIV) that '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." That is simply put and easily understood. Be glad for what you have and thank the Lord for it. If you are reading this in the United States of America, no matter what your income level, you are rich compared to the rest of the world. It is time to rejoice and be glad and not glorify Satan by complaining and being jealous of others.

PRAYER: I am indeed grateful for the material blessings I have in my life Lord. Every time I start to want more or feel envy help me stop and thank you for the blessings you have heaped upon me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

YOUR CHECKBOOK

Your checkbook ledger tells a story. What does yours tell about you? Where do you spend your money in other words? If you were to suddenly pass away and your family and friends saw your check book ledger would it show a kind and generous person or a Scrooge? When we do good deeds we are not to announce them on the street corners it says in Matthew 6:2. Read it for yourself. But in fact, if someone were to see where your money went would you be proud of it or embarrassed?

The money we have is God's anyway. We are not to keep it all to ourselves but then again tyrannical governments are not to come in and confiscate it either pitting the well to do with the poor. It is not the governments money but OUR money. This scenario, I am sad to say, may be transpiring as a result of this last election in the USA, where voters were subjected to class warfare tactics.

As a believer we are not to be jealous of another's wealth. He or she has worked hard for what they have. Those who have not often are envious of this not knowing the whole story. We are to be cheerful givers and as I often say to myself if we can not be cheerful then keep your stinking money. If you have problem hanging on to your wallet too tight then ask God to help you in this area.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7  (NIV) says the following: 

Remember  this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

So today take a look at your checkbook ledger. What story does it tell about where your heart is? 

'For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.'  Matthew 6:21

PRAYER: Lord thanks you for providing  for my physical needs. Help me share with others in need. In Jesus' name. Amen.