THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Lord, in many places throughout the world, believers are physically persecuted, much like the early church. In the western world, rarely are Christ followers physically assaulted, however, Ephesians 6:10-18 states believers worldwide fight the same common spiritual enemies. “Pride,” “Arrogance,” “Unforgiveness,” “Unrighteous anger” are a few universal enemies to believers, that if left unchecked, determine how we face life’s issues. This enemies list is far from complete.

Lord, you didn’t give us the Nine Commandments. There is a reason you listed the tenth:

“You shall not covet [envy] ….“—(Exodus 20:17)

Jealousy is our enemy that inevitably leads to its debilitating master: envy. Envy’s mastery is as old as time itself.

Envy motivated Cain to kill his brother Abel because you accepted his sacrifice and rejected Cain’s.

Envy caused Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery.

Envy drove King Saul on numerous occasions to attempt to kill David.

We find examples throughout Scripture of envy’s destructiveness.

Lord, if I entertain envy, my focus is on what I don’t have, and instead, dwell on the unfairness of what others have. Envy stifles my gratefulness of my blessings. Envy deceives me into thinking others have their lives all together while I remain in inner turmoil, tossed to and fro by every emotion under the sun. Spiritual turmoil leads to physical turmoil. Envy blocks your peace and contentment from setting up shop in my inner man.

The wisdom of Proverbs explains the defeat of this crippling enemy.

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

Lord, thank you for my blessings. How humbling to know others are probably envious of what all you have given me. May my hearts be tuned into you to allow your Spirit impart peace to my mind and soul. I desire to soar with you far above what this world can offer.

Amen, Jesus.