September 25, 2012
Transformational Thought
We’ve spent the last 3 days examining, dissecting, or as I like to call it, “deconstructing” the whole envy trap. And we pray it has been helpful and eye opening for you in a very practical way. Most importantly though, we really hope this series has helped you grow in your understanding of God and yourself, and moved you some stepping stones closer to your goal of Christ-likeness. Our goal for you is not more head knowledge, but actually changes in the everyday workings of your heart (motivations, thought, feelings, and desires) and evidenced by your works, which are your daily decisions.
Today, to finish our series on envy, we reveal the destructive belief, the lie, that both fuels envy and is magnified by envy. You see, when you envy someone’s possessions (we aren’t talking about envying the Godly traits or living disciplines that you see in someone else), what you’re really saying is “I am not content with what I have, I deserve more, and that “fill in the blank” should be mine, not my neighbor’s.”
If God makes the decisions regarding who has what, then the core belief of envy is, drum roll please, God made a mistake! He didn’t give me what I deserve … in fact, He gave it to someone else who doesn’t deserve it as much as I do.” Our thinking goes like this. If God really knew me and loved me, He would give me what I want, because I know “all” and that thing is what I actually “need”.
These distortions and lies are all part of Satan’s plot to make it seem like God isn’t interested in us, doesn’t love us, doesn’t want to help us, or is impotent and can’t help us. The lie builds a powerful barrier between us and God, drawing us away from God, sabotaging the relationship God desires with us, thus pushing us to rely on ourselves. God’s love is the most powerful component of the universe, and Satan wants to blind us to it, making us think God doesn’t love, or even care for us one bit.
When you believe you know what you need and that God doesn’t, then it’s hard to make the 2nd biggest decision of your life. Is Jesus the Lord of your life, or are you lord of your own life? (The biggest decision is “Did Jesus die for my sins so I can have a relationship with God, or can I overcome my sin on my own, through my efforts to win God’s favor?”)
Today, examine your beliefs about God. Ask yourself, 1. “Am I envious about what others have?” 2. “At times, do I get dissatisfied with what I have?” 3. “Do I get mad at God for my circumstances?” 4. “How often do I look to The Holy Bible, His instruction manual, for answers to grow me so God can give me different circumstances?” Then, look deeper and examine whether you truly believe God made a mistake. If you have some dissatisfaction or envy, then you believe that God made a mistake. Whether you acknowledge Him as your mistakeless Lord, or exalt yourself as all knowing lord of your life is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, Your love and grace for me are magnificent. Thank You so much for being perfect in all ways. I confess at times that I see something another person has and wonder why I don’t have that. At times I strongly resent that I don’t have it and believe I deserve it. I regret that I sadden You becasue You have given me so much to be grateful for. I am blowing all those gifts off and wishing for the one I don’t have but think I need. I realize You know it isn’t right for me at this stage of my development. I yearn for a heart that seeks to grow, wants to change, and is willing to have the pain in order to get the gain. God, I know You will share in that pain and provide peace and comfort. Help me be brave to step one Stepping Stone closer to the life that is within reach. In Jesus’ name I find true contentment and absolution; and all God’s children say Amen – AMEN!
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and known me!You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4