The temptation never goes away to see the ways of the world and be envious. There is a part of each of us – our sinful nature – that wants to indulge in sin and all sorts of selfishness.

Psalm 37:1–6 (NIV)

"Do not fret because of evil men

or be envious of those who do wrong;

for like the grass they will soon wither,

like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." 

The Psalmist reminds believers that we have a different focus. We are renewed through faith in Jesus. We see life through his forgiveness and the promise of eternal life that he freely offers to us. We find joy and delight in the Lord and his ways. We are eager to do good – as defined by God. We are confident that he will bless those who trust in him, even though we know that those blessings may not be things we can see. God will be with us, always!

Do not be envious of what you see in the world. Their ways lead to destruction. Instead, find the joy that comes from trusting in the Lord and doing good. The narrow, less-traveled path of faith is God’s will for you. Don’t be fooled by what others do. You are a child of God. Trust and serve him.

 

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling