Monday, May 17, 2010

Jealousy/Envy continued

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…" Philippians 2:4-9a

By the way I want to thank so many of you for you kind remarks, e-mails, and Facebook messages. I did not expect so much response from the teaching on Sunday.

I wanted to add an addendum to the teaching. I was reading Philippians in my morning devotions and came across this scripture passage. Jealousy hinders you from doing what Jesus had done. If we are interested in the blessing of others in the welfare of others rather than just ourselves then we become like Jesus who not interested in his personal well being took on the form of a servant and gave us all life.

How many will you give life to today because of your lack of a self-interested, self-serving heart? Your bringing selfish ambition, jealousy, and envy under control will not only bring freedom, joy, and blessing to others but like Jesus the Lord will exalt you, fulfill your dreams and your purpose. He gives grace to the humble but resist the proud James writes. We need to care for our families and ourselves but we cannot become lustful for things or jealous for how someone has been blessed. Our humility causes the blessing and places us in a greater position to touch even more lives. I know it can be scary at times but to be honest faith can be that way.

No comments: