My two dogs Beamer and
Karamel Kream (Kari) get along really well – most of the time. They will
play together, sleep beside each other, and even lick the same plate without
fighting. They love to run outside together and bark at other dogs
together. Together is a great word for them …except when either toys or
attention is involved. At that point jealousy emerges with a
vengeance. The favorite toy is the one that the other dog has. The
person whose attention matters the most is the one who is paying attention to
the other dog.
God has called us to
walk in unity, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 AMP) When we
walk together and encourage each other we become a mighty force for the kingdom
of God. Unfortunately, jealously and pettiness is often true in the Body
of Christ, as well. We can often be a united force and walk in unity as
God has intended. Then we see someone else getting blessed and a vying
for attention begins. We see the gift God
has given another and we desire both that gift and the attention of our Father.
Being jealous of the
other dog’s toys is really quite silly. There is an entire basket of toys
to select from. Regardless of another toy being the generally preferred
toy, all it takes is for one dog to pick up a toy and the battle is on.
Now all attention is focused on that single toy. One dog is guarding his
possession, while the other is seeking an opportunity to steal it away. Neither
dog is able to enjoy any toy. Each dog
simply wants what the other has, when the other has it. That amiable companion of a few minutes prior
has now become public enemy #1.
When we become envious
of what God is doing in another believer’s life, we get to a very dangerous
place. God has blessings and callings for each one of us. When He opens a
door of blessing in one believer’s life, He is in no ways limited in His
ability to bless another. Like that basket of toys in our living room,
God has incredible plans and gifts for each of His children. What may be a suitable opportunity for one believer
may not be a proper fit for the temperament of another. He also is not
paying more attention to one believer just because there is some obvious
breakthrough in his or her life. And yet
we surrender to envy and resentment. “You are jealous and
covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become
murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn
with envy and anger and are not
able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you
seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:2 AMP) All
we have to do is ask God for His best for us and then be willing to await His
perfect timing.
When it comes to toys, Beamer loves
the squeaker. Kari hates that sound
entirely. Yet, she will attempt to steal
that toy away and guard it passionately.
She would be much happier playing with a silent toy. She has even worked
herself into a frenzy by inadvertently squeaking the toy as she attempts to ‘bury
it’ in the couch. But she will keep Beamer from squeaking and enjoying it at
all costs. If only she would allow her
masters to pick the best toy and place to play for her.
If only we would allow our Master to
pick the best gift and place to serve for us.
All would be much more fulfilled, happy and peaceful.
The apostle Paul felt
very strongly about believers supporting each other at all times. “ I Therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life)
worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior
that is a credit to the summons to God's service, Living as becomes you]
with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness,
gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you
love one another.” (Ephesians
4:1-2 AMP) Jesus also spoke about the ineffectiveness
brought on by division. “Any
kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation and laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will
last or continue to stand.” (Matthew 12:25AMP)
Do
not allow a toy, a ministry or another’s blessing to consume your desires. Do not give envy or jealousy even a tiny foot
in the door. God has plenty of blessings
and work to go around. Ask for His best
at His perfect time and rejoice in what He is doing for others.
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