I believe when a person is full of jealousy and envy, it is because they are unable to see what God has provided and the blessings in their own life. The lack of thankfulness and gratitude will blind you. All you can see is what the other person has and what you do not have. Someone once said that comparison is the thief of joy. God made us all different but loves us all the same. There is no respect of persons with God. (Romans 2:11) God did not design us to compete with one another. He only wants us to love and support each other. There is no need for envy or trying to be like someone else. Cloning is what man does, God made us all unique and we are His individual masterpieces. (Ephesians 2:10) Just as He made enough space in the sky for every bird to spread its wings and fly, He also made room for each of us to spread our wings and excel.
“A peaceful mind gives life to the body, but jealousy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)
“Don’t envy evil people, and don’t long to be with them.” (Proverbs 24:1)
“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16)
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
When we try to live according to the worlds standards of an excellent life, we lose sight of God’s purpose for our life. We get out of our lane and try to get in someone else’s, believing it is better. Then our life becomes a wreck or a wreck waiting to happen. The dictionary’s definition for excellence is “the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.” Well that can change in the world depending on who you talk to. I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Mark, chapter 10, verse 18, “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God”. So, if excellence is the quality of being extremely good and God is the only One that is good, then true excellence is characteristic of people who understand that they have been made in God’s image, that they have been “saved” by what Jesus Christ has done on the cross, and they are striving to live life according to God’s Word. True excellence is a relationship with our Heavenly Father, where we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. It means that we strive to be the best we can be and to do the best we can do. Excellence reflects moral virtue and it is positive and praiseworthy. Maybe not to the world but pleasing God trumps pleasing man. When your actions are authentic and sincere and reflect what you believe in, that’s integrity. When you are living your purpose in life and not trying to live someone else’s, your God given gifts and talents will make room for you. We must know and understand the importance of seeking God first, pursuing godliness, and gratefully living in accordance with God’s Word.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
A life of excellence becomes possible when we strive to live a godly life, as it is described in the Scriptures. The wicked may seem to achieve success without any consequence, but God always gets the final say. Be patient, Galatians 6:9 tells us, “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” When we do things with pure intentions, joy and positivity will overflow in our lives life. True “excellence” glorifies God and is never about being better than others. This means excellence is attainable for every person because Biblical excellence has nothing to do with how you compare to others, but it has everything to do with your attitude and how you live a life that glorifies God. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can spread our wings knowing that God is faithful and He is always working on our behalf and for our good. Love and Blessings…
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4).
EMMANUEL 