Sometimes, many by the way some people dress, talk, live, spend, would think that such persons are better than them. They would think that such persons are more privileged than they are. As a result of this, they begin to admire them, and even desire to become like them. They focus less on themselves and begin to focus more on those persons wanting to imitate their very lives. Is this always true? Are people sometimes what they claim to be? Do they really possess the life they claim to have? If only many knew what it is they have and what privilege they have got, they would seek not to admire others who claim to be better than them.
The scripture talks about those who compare themselves with themselves as not being wise. It is not good to begin to pattern your life after others. This does not mean that we cannot and should not learn from people. It doesn't mean that we cannot learn from the principles others above us have applied to their lives but the problem is this, that we tend to admire those who live contrary to the will of God and even desire to be like them. Wait a moment, do you know who you are in Christ Jesus? Because if you did, you will seek no other life or to be like someone who is living outside the knowledge of God.
This you need to know that not everyone who laughs is truly happy, even in laughter, there's sorrow. This truth you need to know. The fact that they may appear to be doing well and living well does not mean that they have the best of life. If you knew how helpless they are and how desperate they are for help, you will seek to help them rather than desire to be like them. Let's see the passage of scripture below to know what God's instruction is for us today.
"Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. [32] For the froward is abomination to the Lord : but his secret is with the righteous." (Proverbs 3:31, 32).
That which should be our concern should be that these people be saved, that they come into the knowledge of the truth of God's word and not to envy them or desire to be like them. Look at what the scripture instructs, it instructs not to envy the oppressor (one who acts against God by being a pain to others. One who by subtle means deceive others and take advantage of them, neither should you choose any of his ways). You're not to engage in what he engages himself because such a person never does good, and that is against who you now are in Christ Jesus.
It is not as you think dear believer; these people need help more than you think, and rather than envy them or seek to be like them, you should rather seek to help them. Why should you not envy them? It says their ways (the way of the froward) is an abomination to the Lord. God doesn't delight in the things they do. So, why should you envy them? Look at what you have that they do not have. The scripture says that his secret (God) is with the righteous. Who is referred to as the righteous here? You of course.
Those people you desire to be like who claim they are happy and living well still lack one thing, the secret of the Lord with which they are to live victoriously in life through Christ. This is what you have. They do not have a better life than you. Seek to help them with the secret of the Lord that you have. Do not envy them or choose their ways. This is God's instruction through his word to you today. May the Lord help us to obey this instruction. Amen.
Thought for the day:
You're not to envy those who seem to be living life to the fullest outside Christ nor choose their ways. It is not always as you see or think. Do not envy them.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08161655758 or Email: [email protected]
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