05/04/2026
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:26
How easy it is to envy someone! It starts off innocently enough, maybe even positively. It begins by appreciating a certain trait or talent someone else has, maybe wishing I were more like them. Comparison makes me feel less-than. It steals my joy, my self-esteem and my gratitude. By thinking of what someone else has and I don’t, I forget that all good things are a gift from the Lord. If I’m not careful, the seeds of jealousy are planted. And they flourish before I even notice it. Contentment vanishes and a greedy pull takes a hold of my heart. Instead of feeding my faith, I feed my discontentment. What I have isn’t enough, I want more. I want something, even at the cost of somebody else. The gentle whisper of God’s voice is drowned out by the lies I believe about myself and others. I start thinking I’m not good enough (or that I deserve more), and I resent those who have what I want.
The antidote to such attitudes, false beliefs and wrong behaviors is found in Jesus. He has shown us what it means to be humble, to serve others instead of exalting Himself. Although He had everything—and as the Almighty One, He deserved everything—Jesus gave it all up without hesitation, becoming human Servant for our salvation. He willingly became the lowest of the low, a sacrifice in our place, without complaint or resistance. Everything the Lord did, He did in order to bring unity between us and God. He did not cling to pride, but showed us what it means to live harmoniously with His followers, even when they quarreled about the positions they thought they deserved in His kingdom.
God’s love is the cure to our envy, vanity and ego. The patience He shows us every time we ask Him for forgiveness shows us how we should treat others. Gratitude for what Jesus has done and the fruit of the Holy Spirit will keep us from envying one another. He reminds us of everything we’ve received without deserving anything. If we live in close harmony with one another, we overcome the trap of envy and comparison that Satan tries to lure us into. When Jesus is the One who binds us together, nothing can tear us apart.