:: this post is a part of the 3.31 IMPACT series ::

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Focus

James 3:14-18
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Decision

Do you find yourself captured by accomplishments of others?

Are you distracted by how others look or where they live?

Have you found yourself despairing, when your focus is locked in on the relationships others have with their spouse, parent, friends, coworkers?

May I gently suggest that when you want what others have, you’ll need to be willing to take the good with the bad.

[Tweet “Oh yes, when we want others BEST we need to be willing to endure their WORST.”]

Are you prepared for that?

The sin of jealously and selfishness will do nothing but rob us of joy and contentment. It is habit stemming from a deeper heart issue. When we look outward instead of upward, our heart is seeking an answer to a question meant to be answered by God. What we really want to know is, “Am I good enough? Pretty enough? Skinny enough? Smart enough? Worthy enough? Loveable, enough?”  Instead of finding the answer we’re looking for, we end up deflated and painted green with jealousy.

We have to stop looking left and right.

We have to stop comparing ourselves to others, and instead cry out to the Lord when our hearts are longing to be assured of His love.

Surrender

Heavenly Father, forgive us for looking outward and instead of looking upward toward You! We know you want to answer our questions, trusting you with our lives. Please, Lord, convict us when our focus is off of you and redirect us by the working of the Holy Spirit into the richness of your Word and the love of Jesus Christ. We know, Lord, that you love us and sent your son to die for us. Please move our head knowledge into our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection

In what area of life are you most prone to jealousy? What boundaries do you need to set up to minimize the temptation? For example, if you become jealous at seeing friend succeed, could you fight that with thanksgiving for what the Lord has enabled her to do?  If HGTV causes your to become discontent with your home, could you switch to the cooking channel instead? What steps do you need to take to stop comparing yourself to others and start seeking God for the answers?