The other side of the fence

Are you gazing at that fence wishing you were on the other side?

I know sometimes I do.  Do you wonder how and why other bloggers are successful?  Do you see their followers and wish you had more?  Sometimes I feel that way too.

Do you feel the need to buy the latest, greatest homeschool curriculum because everyone else is raving about it?  Are you thinking your furniture, car, house, clothing, are not good enough or big enough?  Is your house not as clean as the next persons?

Envy and jealousy are deadly in the life of a Christian.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."  Proverbs 14:30

Envy is a disease that disturbs the mind and consumes the body.  It exists in almost everyone.  Some can even become physically ill because of it.

"Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?"  Proverbs 27:4

Envy is relentless in its pursuit of the heart.  It works continually, taking no holiday.  It is hatred without a cure.  It blurs our vision of truth, and prevents us from living our life truly in Him.  It takes our eyes from the blessings of His glory, and disengages the thankful heart.  It stops love in it's tracks.

"But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."  James 3:14-16

We must learn to control this deadly weapon ~ Envy.  How?  Pray sincerely for the one whom you are envious.  Live a mature and victorious life in Christ striving to be more of what God wants you to be ~ Women of Noble Character!

Do you remember this one?

I Am Thankful For...

...the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

...the taxes I pay because it means that I am employed.

...the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.

...my shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.

...a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means that I have a home.

...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.

...all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

...my huge heating bill because it means that I am warm.

...the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.

...the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.

...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm alive.

...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.

Family Circle - November 1999