Imagine you received a call from a friend telling you she received a raise, or a co-worker tells you he just bought a new house; do you rejoice with them? Do you celebrate when someone rather than yourself fulfills their dreams? Do you celebrate your friends, family, or co-workers' accomplishments? Or, on the contrary, do you get envious and complain?
Unfortunately, jealousy is a feeling that none of us are exempt from. If we are completely sincere, each of us has experienced it at least once in a lifetime. It is not something we should be proud of because, as Christians, we should celebrate others' success instead of being jealous of it. We should rejoice every time someone achieves something good. We should also encourage and help each other instead of sabotaging each other. As leaders, we must be mindful of those who only want to create disaffection or conflict. Sadly, but true, some people cannot stand to see others succeed; this reflects the condition of their hearts. They are full of bitterness and resentment, and the only thing they want is to be recognized and that nobody else is praised before them.
The Bible is clear, we should rejoice with those that succeed. “Bridegroom's friend rejoices with him. I am the bridegroom's friend and filled with joy at his success.” John 3:29. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15. We must understand that we all have the same opportunity to shine; we must do things with love and without expecting something in return. Life is not a competition of who is better than who. To live in Christ should mean to complete and uplift each other. We are all parts of the same body, the body of Christ, and we are all crucial parts of it. We should never belittle others nor think we are better than others. We should not allow jealousy to invade our lives and stand against it.
What should we do as Christians?
Avoid comparing yourselves with others and avoid competition.
Praise and congratulate others for their accomplishments and success.
Do things with love and not to be praised or recognized.
Help others without expecting something in return.
Pray for those around you.
Avoid complaining when others receive praise first than you.
Do not open the door to the enemy by letting envy take control.
Be grateful for what you have right now.
Celebrate the success of others as if it was yours.
Help others succeed.
Today, ask God to help you rejoice when others succeed. Ask Him to take out of your heart any seed of jealousy and help you celebrate with them. And please remember that if you cannot be happy with the success of those around you, you will never receive what they have.
