3 ISSUE № 12 OCT 2018
Beating Back Envy !
Proverbs 14:20 “ A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh , but envy makes the bones rot ”. I think it is safe to say we all at some point experience feelings of envy . Sometimes it manifests itself through longing for something that does not belong to us . We may desire to own something that someone else has that seems to be difficult for us to obtain . Our own measure of what looks desirable and represents success may well influence what we envy in another person . Envy when looked at as a longing can lead to dissatisfaction in life and can stir up feelings of bitterness and resentment ; and even feelings of Jealousy , where it can result in the loss of something we highly value . Actual sources of envy can be something physical , a person , a talent in someone else or even the observation of wealth and achievement on the part of another . Fighting feelings of envy could take time , but is possible once we are willing to acknowledge it as a weakness to the point that we are even willing to talk about it . Once we recognize our own blessings in life and begin to count them , we should have no reason to dwell in negativity . Everyone has flaws and nobody is perfect so it is important to remind ourselves of our own abilities and talents that make us feel positive about ourselves . Persistent Comparison with others always leads to feelings of unworthiness . Feelings of envy also says a lot about who we identify with and can well be the result of keeping close to people who value the “ wrong ” things in life . The media and social networks in themselves often influence what we choose to value as important and sometimes distracts from how simple life could be , once we avoid being caught up in expensive trappings . Keeping your value system rational and controlling desires as it pertains to the trappings of the supposed glamorous lifestyles of others can often help the cause . What certain people desire for themselves does not mean that such should apply for all and sundry . Other suggestions to fight envy can involve keeping God in the center of everything you do and growing your spiritual awareness to the point of changing the quality of your life experiences . Avoid the hype of reckless desires and the need to possess . In so doing as we grow away from envy , appreciate others for what they have to offer in the context of being happy when they are achieving their
Another Library Clearance Some items free . Some items almost free . WhatsApp 620-8567 own successful desires . This in itself promotes your own positive energies when you rejoice in the success of others . Replace your negative energies towards envying them towards energies which brings your own fulfilment and builds your own confidence in what you are about . Also becoming aware of others less fortunate than you , could well benefit from your attention instead , if your time away from envy can be properly directed to supporting others . It could well be a life absent from envy can be found when we concentrate on serving others rather than looking to see what others have that we do not . G . Luke