Value Others above Yourself
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Certainly, disappointment and jealousy are related! When we don’t get what we want or think we deserve, there are chinks in our spiritual armor and the enemy spots them easily. Sometimes it isn’t us but a family member. Claire McGarry (Mornings with Jesus) learned some life-lessons from her daughter. Read on!
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My son, Mason, auditioned for his high school’s play, Les Misérables. He was elated when he landed a lead role. My daughter, Jocelyn, auditioned for her middle school’s play, Frozen. She was heartbroken when she just got ensemble.
After Jocelyn’s day of disappointment, she picked herself up, brushed herself off, committed to her part, and got excited for her brother. Hearing her brag to all her friends about his lead role and saying how proud she was of him filled me with joy.
I’m not one to verbalize my jealousy, but I sure do feel it. When wearing an old dress to a wedding, I resent the beautiful women in their fashionable clothes. As I drive by homes in my town that I know have amazing backyards with impeccable landscaping surrounding their built-in pools, envy washes over me.
Jesus never once expressed any desire for what others had. If anyone deserved better, it was Him. As King of kings, He had a right to live in a palace, draped in jewels, reigning over a kingdom that could have catered to His every whim. Yet He humbly valued others above Himself—even to Calvary (Ephesians 5:2).
Rather than listening to that voice of jealousy in my heart when others have what I want, I need to listen to the voice of Jesus speaking words of truth. When I think I deserve better, Jesus gives me the visual of my daughter valuing her brother above herself. How could I wish for anything more?
FAITH STEP: Memorize Philippians 2:3 and recite it anytime jealousy arises in your heart.
Loving Lord, thank You for all the life-lessons that You show and teach us. Help us to hear Your voice when our thoughts are not centered. AMEN.