Dilemma: Will I Envy or Encourage?
- Ann Abbott
- May 2, 2016
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 16
Ever felt caught in the trap of comparison? Or perhaps at another mini-crossroad in your life where you need to choose a response? A coworker, friend, or family member seems to be getting ahead; attaining the sweet fruit of success, and enjoying the subsequent recognition of respect or reward. You feel you have worked harder or struggled more diligently over obstacles, yet these same accolades elude you. Again, you are in the background, part of the “cheering” crowd; but inside another dilemma wrestles within you, demanding a decision.
Others are encouraging and affirming the one receiving the acclaim; yet you struggle with envy and resentment. Haven’t we all felt these tensions at one point or another in our lives? Struggling to rejoice with those who rejoice, when we actually are feeling great disappointment or frustration in our own hearts? What choice will you make, do you make? What thoughts flood your mind when deciding how to respond?
In Romans 8:6 it says, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (ESV) As I seek to apply this to my life, I ask for God’s grace to help me make the right decision. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4: 16, ESV)
As we choose to go up to a higher level of thinking and be happy for others and to encourage and affirm others for their accomplishments, we will experience a greater peace and joy ourselves. God never forgets or overlooks our efforts, nor our obedience when we walk the path He has laid out for us. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…” (I Pet. 5:6 ESV)
Lord, Help me to humble myself and faithfully do the tasks You have given me to do, and do to them well! Help me to encourage others and not succumb to the temptation of envy or resentment or fall into the trap of comparison. Grant me Your grace to set my mind on the Spirit and to experience Your life and peace! Amen.
