November 17, 2009 | Ministry Life

“The envious man thinks that if his neighbor breaks a leg, he will be able to walk better himself.” – Helmut Schoeck

The other day I read about an author who was getting the full treatment: publicity tours, media, foreword written by a celebrity, a huge print run out of the gate…

and I was happy for her. Truly happy.

But I also felt a twinge. What might have happened to my books if I had those opportunities? Why do I have to work so hard to get the word out when I know the message could help women, or teens?

I felt the Lord gently pull me back.

Comparison. It’s the foundation of envy. It’s what takes our eyes off of what we do have and focuses our attention on what others have, and what we wish we had.

Do I still want those things? Yes, I do. Not because I want my name splashed across Oprah’s website or my book face-out at Barnes and Noble, but because I really believe that God transforms lives in spite of our backgrounds, or the hurts we’ve encountered, or addictions we battle, or relationships we are praying to be healed.

I believe that we can live free in Him, and it’s a message I would carry strapped to my back from city to city if I could. I love watching what happens when Christ enters the story of a person’s life.

But comparison can’t be in the equation, because the focus becomes about Suzie rather than about what God can and is doing.

I’m happy for my friend today. I rejoice with her. And I rejoice that I get to do what I do… what a privilege!

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1. Stephanie Shott says:
   

   Great post Suzie. I’ve personally planned a worldwide door to door blitz to tell anyone and everyone about the love and grace of God.

   When we’ve seen His hand moving in our own lives we can’t help but want to proclaim it to the world. My heart’s cry for my ministry is that God would allow me to impact as many as I can for as long as I can. So, I completely relate to this post.

   Oh, that we might know Him and make Him known!

   November 17th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
2. Shay Crider says:
   

   I also fall prey to comparison ~ envy. You are so correct, it truly takes my eyes off of what I have. It has been hard, but I am learning to turn away from that and turn to Christ, who has given me just what I need!

   Thanks for the post!!
   God Bless!
   shay

   November 18th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
3. Sue says:
   

   Thanks for the post! Just what I needed today. I think everyone at some point in their lifes’ has fallen prey to green eyed monster envy-comparison.
   So true, envy takes our eyes off of what God has given us, and we begin to focus our attention on what we wish we should have, and what others have. It’s a battle we can’t win by ourselves.
   We need to keep our eyes fixed on God. God will give us peace. His ways are higher then our ways.

   Thanks for your words of wisdom.
   God bless!
   Sue

   November 24th, 2009 at 11:54 am

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