The Seven Deadly Sins: Envy

At Third Reformed Church, we've been learning about the seven deadly sins and yesterday we learned about envy. This sermon, I felt, was speaking directly to me and made complete sense. It talked about how these sins are like cancers in your body. They can literally eat you up inside and ruin relationships. I realized that envy has definitely been tearing me apart over the years and it has affected how I think of other people. For example, if I like a guy and I see him talking to another girl or flirting with her, I get extremely jealous because I wish he would talk to me instead. Yes, I know this sounds ridiculous, but that's what happens. Also when I see a really pretty girl, I get jealous because I wish I looked like that. Those are just a few examples, and I'm sure all girls go through this all the time, but I definitely realized that it has gotten worse for me over the past couple years. Yesterday, at church there was a quote that the pastor put up and it said something about how when we are envious of other people, it's like we are saying to God that His plan is not good enough for us and that we deserve a different plan...a plan like the person you're jealous of. How crazy does that sound?! That might've sounded confusing, but for example, it's saying that if the guy you like likes a different girl, than you're saying to God that you want that girl's plan rather than the plan that God has for you. Hopefully that made a little bit more sense. Also, when you're jealous of another girl for her looks or social skills, it's like telling God that the way He made you, His unique creation, is not good enough for you and you wish you could be different. That's the thing, God made you in His own unique beautiful way!! We shouldn't wish to be like someone else or to have their life because that's NOT God's plan! God's plan for you is so much better for you and just because it's not how YOU want it, does NOT mean that God's messing up and has forgotten about what you need. He knows your every want and need and has not forgotten about your plan.

Well that sounded completely jumbled, but hopefully it makes some sense =) Just remember God made you YOU and not someone else. He has His own individual plan for your life and no one else's plan is right for you =)