If you had to ask yourself what matters more to you, would it be the work you accomplish or your relationship with Christ? Before you think to yourself that's an easy answer, think back on what you prioritize daily. We are encouraged to do our checklist, get a job well done, and keep climbing the ladder in our everyday lives. We prioritize our work because there is an actual physical deadline, but our relationship with Christ is open-ended. Pushing off praying, reading the Bible, and going to church becomes a habit because we believe we will always have tomorrow to build a stronger relationship with God.
And that may be true; tomorrow is a great day to make God a priority. But what if that lifestyle is fueling your jealousy towards others?
Galatians 6:4, “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” NLT
Our purpose starts with our relationship with Christ. If Christ is fourth (or even second) on your list, your purpose will begin with what you do and not who you are. Your primary calling is not your career. It is not even your family; your first calling is to follow Christ. Then you can be the parent/spouse/sibling/child your family needs you to be, then you can be the employee your work requires you to be, and then you can be the friend your people need you to be.
Those who know we are doing what God has called us to do will find satisfaction in that alone. What others are doing and how fast they are doing it doesn’t matter if we know we are following God’s path. I know for women especially, comparing ourselves to one another is encouraged in our society. However, our calling to the Christian life is not a competition.
We do not need to concern ourselves or worry about what others are doing for God. If you know you are doing your best for Jesus, why would what others are doing for him negatively fill your thoughts?
When jealousy was intense in my life, I saw others doing what I knew I should be doing but didn’t think I was ready or capable of. Then one day, I decided to do it anyway. I felt motivated, secure, and content. Why? Because I listened to what God was telling me through my jealousy. What is he telling you?
Is he telling you what your calling is?
Is he telling you to delete social media because of constant comparison?
Is he telling you what your goals should be?
Turn the jealously into motivation in your walk with Christ. Jealousy can lead to bitterness, but it doesn’t have to. Jealousy can be changed into obedience, obedience to follow God into your calling despite your reservation or insecurity. What the enemy intends for bad; God intends for good.