Over the years one picks up a piece of information or three. This is one I have come to lean on.
I have noticed through my life that when someone is rejoicing, someone else may not like it. They are sour and cannot rejoice with those who rejoice, they refuse to celebrate the happiness of others; but rather feel like saying or doing something to bring the happy-one “down-to-earth,” “back-to-reality,” “in-balance” with the rest of the world.
I truly do not understand why this is part of human nature, but it seems to be true at times. People just get green with envy. They become jealous of others who are doing well. This was part of the dynamics of Cain's hatred of his brother, Able. It led to the first recorded murder. This kind of attitude is not only unbecoming, it can be problematic. Often, it is jealousy that is at the root of quarrels between people. The Apostle James said, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." (James 4:1-3 NIV)
Happily, over the past decade or so, I have been conscious enough to recognize those subtle “kill-joy” voices (I believe they are also probably “devilish” voices), and counter them with kind words, sincere congratulations, and heartfelt like-rejoicing to the ones who are in their moment of happiness. The burdens of life will unfortunately return soon enough and often enough, so I enjoy perpetuating “the moment” of joy as long as is possible – especially when it is the moment of someone else’s joy. This is a gift to them. It is a blessing I have the power to grant or to withhold. I choose to grant it . . . with gusto! J And, I am delighted to do so.
Life, as they say, is short, and we all forget that fact from time to time. I have found that celebrating things in which my friends are rejoicing brings me gladness of heart, and a kind of participation in their joy . . . which is often very wonderful. I have found that I must “check my spirit” from time to time and consciously reject negative thoughts . . . or worse, no thought at all about the other’s joy. Someone once said, “Envy is the only way the wicked know how to pay a compliment.” That really hit me. But, rather than envy another’s achievement or station in life, we can celebrate it – which seems to me to be a higher path.
One of the ways I know how to tell if I am walking in God’s Spirit is how I feel about the success of others. I am happy to say that, over the years, Christ has been working this precious gift inside me. Today, I learned of some colleagues who have successfully and beautifully completed a truly amazing building project. I cannot tell you how happy I am for them – for us all, because when one part of the Body of Christ is exalted, all are beneficiaries. This achievement of theirs is truly wonderful.
It may be that I may never personally benefit from their triumph, but I can genuinely participate with them in their happy moment. What a joy and a glory it is for them, and I would not rob them of a single beam of their delight. Rather, I add to it with a hearty “Way to go!!” “Well done!!!” I rejoice with them. I exult with them. I am grateful to see the blessing of God in/on/with/through my brother’s and sister’s lives. Doing so enriches us all. I know it enriches me. In the end, it will all boil down to that final statement that we all so deeply long to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I choose to echo praise for others in anticipation of its ultimate bestowal. Perhaps, in my congratulations to my brothers, they will hear something of the voice of the one whom they love so dearly.
James 3:13-18 . . . 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. NIV
I have noticed through my life that when someone is rejoicing, someone else may not like it. They are sour and cannot rejoice with those who rejoice, they refuse to celebrate the happiness of others; but rather feel like saying or doing something to bring the happy-one “down-to-earth,” “back-to-reality,” “in-balance” with the rest of the world.
I truly do not understand why this is part of human nature, but it seems to be true at times. People just get green with envy. They become jealous of others who are doing well. This was part of the dynamics of Cain's hatred of his brother, Able. It led to the first recorded murder. This kind of attitude is not only unbecoming, it can be problematic. Often, it is jealousy that is at the root of quarrels between people. The Apostle James said, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." (James 4:1-3 NIV)
Happily, over the past decade or so, I have been conscious enough to recognize those subtle “kill-joy” voices (I believe they are also probably “devilish” voices), and counter them with kind words, sincere congratulations, and heartfelt like-rejoicing to the ones who are in their moment of happiness. The burdens of life will unfortunately return soon enough and often enough, so I enjoy perpetuating “the moment” of joy as long as is possible – especially when it is the moment of someone else’s joy. This is a gift to them. It is a blessing I have the power to grant or to withhold. I choose to grant it . . . with gusto! J And, I am delighted to do so.
Life, as they say, is short, and we all forget that fact from time to time. I have found that celebrating things in which my friends are rejoicing brings me gladness of heart, and a kind of participation in their joy . . . which is often very wonderful. I have found that I must “check my spirit” from time to time and consciously reject negative thoughts . . . or worse, no thought at all about the other’s joy. Someone once said, “Envy is the only way the wicked know how to pay a compliment.” That really hit me. But, rather than envy another’s achievement or station in life, we can celebrate it – which seems to me to be a higher path.
One of the ways I know how to tell if I am walking in God’s Spirit is how I feel about the success of others. I am happy to say that, over the years, Christ has been working this precious gift inside me. Today, I learned of some colleagues who have successfully and beautifully completed a truly amazing building project. I cannot tell you how happy I am for them – for us all, because when one part of the Body of Christ is exalted, all are beneficiaries. This achievement of theirs is truly wonderful.
It may be that I may never personally benefit from their triumph, but I can genuinely participate with them in their happy moment. What a joy and a glory it is for them, and I would not rob them of a single beam of their delight. Rather, I add to it with a hearty “Way to go!!” “Well done!!!” I rejoice with them. I exult with them. I am grateful to see the blessing of God in/on/with/through my brother’s and sister’s lives. Doing so enriches us all. I know it enriches me. In the end, it will all boil down to that final statement that we all so deeply long to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I choose to echo praise for others in anticipation of its ultimate bestowal. Perhaps, in my congratulations to my brothers, they will hear something of the voice of the one whom they love so dearly.
James 3:13-18 . . . 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. NIV
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