By Marco Weening
Wow, the world is showing their skills on social media and I’m just watching it happening.
In the last week friends have shown their video skills, wit, amazing voices, public speaking, gift to work with kids and I could keep going.
Some businesses have shown amazing ability to pivot. One online school I saw attracted almost 2000 students for their online course. I saw churches pull off amazing live streams and worship leaders effortlessly record anointed songs.
I’ve seen friends pray more (and better) than I do, have prophetic revelation for days and take care of their neighbours with generosity.
All the while I feel like a zombie.
I’ve been watching Netflix more than my broadband can handle, been agitated at least every two days (and I don’t even have kids) and struggle to remember my neighbours names, let alone their needs.
In short, I’m feeling jealous and I'm probably not alone.
However, I’m not completely lost. I’ve learnt that comparison is very deceiving. It compares your best public moment with my worst private moment.
When we do that, our achievements never come out on top. Ever. And being out on top was never the point anyway. We are on the same team remember!
So here are some the things I’ve done to battle my feelings of inadequacy:
1. Remind myself of my sonship
As soon as I recognise jealousy inside of me (Normally when you start disliking lovely people in your head) I remind myself that my value does not come from doing amazing things, but from being accepted by God. (1 Cor 15:10)
You would be utterly pooped if you were measured by your merits. God decided He likes you so much, that He would send Jesus to rescue you. Even knowing all you low and inefficient moments in life.
He rejoices over you with singing and He can still use you when you are grumpy. Faith is not positive thinking, it's trusting that Jesus' got it.
Declare: "Thank you Jesus that I'm loved today, even when I feel useless".
2. Remember that jealousy is part of poverty thinking
Jealousy would not be a problem if there was enough for everyone. I'm happy for you to be successful if I can be as successful. Jealousy convinces you that there is not enough to go around.
That's poverty thinking and a scarcity mindset. That's not the case in the Kingdom of God.
There is more than enough in Heaven. God is unlimited in power. He's everywhere all the time and His treasuries are full of blessings to be enjoyed. (Matt 6:26)
Declare: "Thank you Jesus that you are enough for me. Your grace is enough."
3. It's not about me, I want you to succeed
Jesus said: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve". Matt 20:28.
When we are feeling jealous, we are really partnering with the orphan spirit. We want to be seen and gifted like that other person. Sonship has no need to be seen. It's happy with the lowest seat at the table.
The lowest seat at the table is still a place where you get to lock eyes with the King. What else do you need?
Jealousy is a huge opportunity to grow in sonship by celebrating the other.
As soon as I feel jealous, I stop and I thank God for that person. I pray for them and release blessings over them. I encourage them publicly and privately and I refuse to let the enemy come between us.
Then I laugh at the enemies attempt to separate me from the love of God and people. Nice try!
What have you found helpful in battling jealousy?