We commit the sin of envy when we feel badly because of the good fortune of another. To put it another way, envy is simply a form of jealousy. Moreover, if we are honest, most of us would have to admit that we have been guilty of it at one time or another in our lives, even as Christians. Perhaps if we understood why we have negative feelings when others prosper in various ways, we could begin to deal more effectively with the sin of envy.

Most often when we feel a tinge of jealousy, it is because someone among our peer group (those most like ourselves) is blessed with some honor, opportunity of monetary advancement, that we did not receive. When this happens, we begin to let the mind wander, pondering the question of why the other person was blessed with something of which we felt equally deserving. Next, we even begin to wonder if perhaps, God actually favors the other person more than He favors us. After all, aren't we equal in His sight'? Then, we may even "go the full nine yards" and begin to feel inferior, sometimes to the point of thinking that God is withholding His blessings from us for some reason. On and on we go with such speculation, until we are locked into a pattern of envy.

There are, however, some things we need to know about how God deals with us individually. First, God places certain things into our care and stewardship based upon the talents and abilities we have to handle those things (cf. Matthew 25:14-15; 1 Cor. 10: 13). Secondly, just because God might seem to bless one person more abundantly than another, it doesn't imply a difference in the worth of one against the other (Acts 10:34). Third, if we approach the subject honestly, most often we will see that we have not been blessed less than others, but in different ways. If you notice that one person seems to have more going for him in some areas than you do, it is most likely also the case that the same is true of yourself when it comes to other areas of life.

Finally, we must remember that God deals with each of us, in many ways, on an individual basis (for a good example of this, read and study John 21:18-22). We cannot afford to go through life always expecting to have exactly the same opportunities as everyone else, at exactly the same time. It is far better then, to accept whatever God gives us, and determine to use it to His glory, and not our own. After all, envy comes when we become more concerned with exalting ourselves than exalting our Lord.

Our hearts go out in sympathy to the family and friends of Jack Holt (the cousin of Libbie Littleton, Frances Copeland and Frank Nabors) who passed away this past week. Our prayer is that God will provide His peace in this time of loss.

We invite everyone to meet with us in the annex, after the morning services today, for our annual Senior Appreciation Dinner. Today is the day each year when we pay special tribute to our senior members who have been such an encouragement to us over the years. Members and visitors are invited.

Sign-Up Lists . . .
Please take a few minutes to check the duty rosters posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Either check off the current listing or make the necessary changes. If your name does not appear on the list and you would like to be included - add your name. We need to fill in the empty spaces so that a few aren't doing the work of the many.

Tonight
Please remember to meet with us tonight at 5:30 in classroom #3 for a few minutes of prayer.

Our youngsters meet at 5:40 in the auditorium for a period of stories and songs before the evening worship.