Envy

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”   Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

Envy is defined as “a feeling of discontent or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck”; “a desire to have a quality, possession, or other desirable attribute belonging to (someone else)”.

I have felt envy.  I never wanted to admit that Envious Edna occasionally pays a visit to my office.  She tries to call at least once a month.  You know when monthly CELEBRATIONS or promotions are announced.  Sometimes it is easy to ignore the call while other times, she sits in the office for the day sharing her words of inadequacy.  Am I proud of this? NO!

Then in the midst, God will send me a sign – a gentle reminder that each of us are called to do his work.  That the body of Christ needs many parts to work and my part may be different than someone else’s.  As a result, their accolades now may be mine later.

I never thought it was envy.  I used to feel like they were just better at sales, recruiting, or bookings than I was.  Or it wasn’t my time. Or, maybe this was not what I was meant to do.  Ladies, lets be honest, envy and jealousy has drifted into all of our thoughts at some time. The difference is how each of us handles it.  Some use it as motivation to strive for greater things.  Others use it as an excuse NOT to achieve their goals.  Then there are those who never give it a second thought because they are focused on letting their individual qualities shine through.

I found that when I acknowledge the envy, confessed it before God (and anyone else that would listen) that I was taking steps to closing the door completely on Envious Edna.  I was healing.

The next step was to STOP the comparison.  We know that the grass is NOT always greener on the other side.  While we are comparing ourselves to others, there are people comparing themselves to us.  This tidbit of information really shocked me.  People were really envious of ME???

What do I do when I am feeling overlooked? Look up and celebrate with others. Send an email or text on the spot, and chase away those negative feelings. “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15a, NIV).  The truth is this is the BEST medicine for me.  Bringing joy to others.

I am learning to be patient. I don’t know about you but patience is NOT usually one of my strongpoints.  I am learning to own my journey and enjoy it. My goal is to make someone smile each day and let my light shine (and maybe sell some Thirty One in the process)   “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV).

When I learned to let go of the envy and actually befriend the one who I was envious of, I learned that we both had strengths that could help each other.  I began to understand the dynamics of our personalities and why each of us were successful in our own way.  I could actually admit that I was successful in something.

Most of all, I have learned to have faith and trust in God.  He stands ready, willing and able to overcome our weaknesses through the power of His Spirit.  If we lean on him and follow his plan for our life, the blessings will fall upon us.  They may not be the way you want.  They may not be what you initially thought you wanted BUT gratitude is the key.  For everything (good and bad) is a blessing.  And I am reminded of that each time I hear the song “Blessings” by Laura Story.

So, if you have succumbed to envy or jealousy, now is the time to admit it.  Close the door on Envious Edna and rejoice with others as you trust in God’s timing.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!