Scripture:

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” (Galatians 6:4-5)

Thought for the day:

Craig Groeschel points out that: “When we resent God’s goodness in other people’s lives and ignore God’s goodness in our own life…” we do God, others, and ourselves a huge injustice that borders on sinfulness! Now, I know that few if any of us want to think that simply desiring something that is possessed by another is wrong. Nor do we go so far as to say that we resent God for all the good others have… No, if we are going to resent God, it is going to be for what we don’t have….”

If you are anything like me, it is easy to think about all of things we don’t have but would like to have….

I remember when the first iPhone came out… I was irate at the lines of people waiting for hours to get one. I was not always kind in my assessment of the early birds because I knew that I was going to have to wait years to get one and by then I would be 2-3 models behind the rest of the world. It wasn’t fair! Not that I was bitter or anything…

I have even compared myself to other pastors. He preaches better than I do, not fair! She relates to people more effectively than I do, lucky duck! He is more gifted in administration than I am.

Groeschel points out that “when we look at other people comparatively and competitively, we’re not seeing them as our brothers and sisters. We’re not loving them more than we love ourselves, and we’re definitely not seeing them as God sees them.”

Romans 12:15 teaches us a better way: “rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.”

So how do we do that? Well, Groeschel will tell us that, “If the grass is greener in someone else’s yard, maybe it’s time to water your own.”

When was the last time we actually sat down and took stock of our own blessings?

When I stop to think about it, there is nothing in this world greater than what God has already given me.

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, help me to realize the magnitude of Your blessings in my life. Enable me to see people as You see them. Amen.