Listening to the Holy Spirit:
I give that you would grow; that you would complete what has been given to you, and that you would know Me as I walk quietly with you. Listen for My voice. Hear My heart for you; it is full that grace would be given, that you would receive in abundance for the work and glory of My Kingdom, yet, there is jealousy that hinders. Even among brothers and sisters, a worldly rivalry arises. This is not of My Spirit. My call within is to build, to lift those around you, not run against. The Father is joyful in the success of His children. It is not fitting for you in My house, to envy and belittle your brother. Do you know his heart as I do? Does he know of yours that he would speak ill against it? This is the work of the enemy, to divide those who call Me Lord. Turn against not your brother, but against the jealousy that drives the wedge. Hate envy, not the accomplishments of your fellow believer. Do not ridicule or speak that his work would be lessened. Follow Me and obey as I call you, for in obedience in your day is the battle and the victory. Turn away from the other runner, for it is My face you seek.
1 Cor 3:8-9 (ESV) – He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
2Cor 10:12 (ESV) – Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
Ex 20:17 (ESV) – “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”
James 1:17 (ESV) – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
1Thess 5:11 (ESV) – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Taking It to Work:
Facebook. Instagram. They don’t help. Seeing others only at their best. Looking at their new car, new home or all the fun they are having on vacation, although it keeps us up to date, it also can keep us in a constant state of comparison.
It happens at work as well. We may compare ourselves to others who we think are doing a better or more important job, or may be in competition with us for that new position opening up, or that more favorable office near the boss.
We can be constantly watching what every one else is doing, and comparing it to what were doing; and if we feel we might be losing in that comparison, we may even talk down those whom we are secretly competing against, just so we feel a bit better about ourselves. Its common, but its not Godly.
The Bible speaks against slipping into that comparative mindset, and for good reason. As Christians in the workplace, we are to be shining His light, cheering others on, above ourselves, and serving like we were serving the Lord himself.
Were called to be content, generous and encouraging, even when everyone else is grabbing for themselves. That’s our light. That is what makes us different.
We work hard, and we do our best, but for higher reasons. Not just for money, although we all need that paycheck. Not just for recognition, although being recognized is a good feeling and it does motivate us, and not just to win against others, or to compete for the bigger office or the bigger back yard. That is all driven by the age old sin of envy and covetness.
Today we are reminded, we don’t need to compete. We need to keep our eyes on Him, knowing He is pleased with the job we’re doing and the light we’re shining while we’re doing it.
The truth is, if you are following and serving Jesus, He’ll take care of you. Promotions, raises and new opportunities will come, at the Lord’s hand as you obey and please Him. No comparison or competition required, as His Word works in you, today.
