Christian envy
Baptism of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) In the Gospel of John , the disciples of John the Baptist come to him with words that seem tailor-made to provoke envy and resentment. “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan , to whom you bore witness — look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him” (John 3:26). John’s response is worth its weight in envy-fighting gold. First, he remembers where all blessing, success, and opportunity come from. A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. Don’t seek an copy and established ministry. Seek a received ministry. We kill envy when we remember that whether we succeed or whether someone else does is ultimately given from the God who reigns from heaven. And how dare we assault his wisdom by murmuring about the opportunities and success of others. Second, John remembers his role. He is the friend of the Bridegroom, the groomsman , not the Bridegroom himself. And the groomsmen rejoice greatly when they...