In each stage of my life, I have been tempted by the green-eyed monster of envy. As a young wife, it was seeing my husband work hard without receiving the monetary advancements as quickly as others. When my children were younger it was hard to keep from comparing my strong-willed, leader-in-training children with the quiet and quick-to-obey children of some of my friends. As a leader in women’s ministry for over 20 years, I have not only personally experienced the trap of comparison to others but have witnessed it countless times in women of all ages.
We tend to compare our insides with others outsides. We feel our own hardships and see our own lack but we look at others and see a package all wrapped up with a pretty bow. To trade circumstances or position with someone else we would have to trade it all – the seen and unseen. Everyone who runs in a race has to train, prepare, show up, and do the hard stuff. Most of that is done out of the gaze of others while the actual race is seen by the crowd.
Why is it hard to trust the Lord to provide everything we need to live the life He has called us to? Why is it hard to trust Him to help us be good stewards of our lives and of the gifts we have been given? Why do we choose to waste precious time wishing we had it easier or were more talented or better positioned like the people we compare ourselves to? I believe it boils down to trust. Do we trust the Lord to have our best interest in mind especially in the midst of our difficulty and someone else’s ease or promotion?
I heard someone say once that “envy doesn’t look good on anybody.” I agree and would add that envy doesn’t feel good on anybody either. When someone is sick to their stomachs their coloring usually has a green hue. Envy is nauseating.
The Scriptures warn us that envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30), is an act of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:21) and is not found in love (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence or is it just the enemy of our soul trying to get us off course? The Lord has green pastures for each of us that bring life and sustenance, but envy only makes our lives rotten. Runners know that looking to the other runners in a race can cost them precious time. I wonder how much time you or I have lost looking at others instead of keeping our gaze on the race marked out for us.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-2
Our lives consist of many seasons, and seasons have a way of changing. My life is taking a new turn this Fall as I become an empty-nester. I want to purpose to be content in the season I am in. Not complacent. Not anxious. Not envious. Not wanting. Not disappointed. Not apathetic.
I want to follow Paul’s example of contentment in Scripture.
…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
Let’s ask the Lord to train our eyes to be content with His green pasture instead of looking through green eyes of envy. Let’s remember that in Him we are strong. We are all on an even playing field at the foot of the cross, and what we do from there is only done well in surrender to the Lord’s plan.
One of the best ways to conquer that green-eyed monster of envy is to celebrate and cheer others on. My friend in life and ministry, Scarlet Pepin, blogged about this on her website this week. She has such a gift of speaking God’s truth in love and humor. I encourage you to check out her website scarletpepin.com for weekly encouragement to run your race well.
Scarlet and me at the Wailing Wall. Friends that pray together stay together!
