Jesus is my prize (Part 3)

Have you ever had a conversation with someone when they tell you some wonderful news about themselves or someone else, and instead of feeling happy for them, you feel a stab of envy? You want to feel happy for them - you even say how happy you are - but in your heart you don't. I have certainly had that experience.

Tim Keller tells a story in one of his sermons about a teenage girl in his church that he counselled. She was depressed about the fact that she did not have a boyfriend and none of the boys at school displayed any interest in her. Tim Keller spoke to her about the fact that Jesus - God himself - died for her. She replied that it gave her no comfort. She could not relate the amazing love of God for her to her own life; it was no consolation for a lack of a boyfriend. Do you know that feeling?

Keller goes on to give a different example, of a man who worked in Christian mission. When he heard what others from his school had done with their lives - becoming rich investment bankers, etc., -suddenly his life, with its low income and low profile, seemed very unimpressive. As you can imagine, this troubled him. Why did he feel his life was lacking? Why, was Christ not all in all to him? He turned back to his faith and his Saviour, he immersed himself in the story of his salvation, until the brilliant truth shone out to him; that nothing worldly compares to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord, and what Christ had done - and would continue to do - for him.

How do we take the love of Christ into our hearts to such an extent that, whatever is going on in our lives, it means nothing to us compared to the value of knowing Christ? This is something I wrestle with when I feel that little stab of envy. These are my suggestions (not that I always do them, but I am trying!):

1. I do not try to reason with myself, by saying, "Well, they have this but I have that." This is only focusing on the worldly, sinful, attitude.

2. I pray for the person and thank God that he has blessed them in this way. I do this regardless of whether the person is a Christian or not. Matthew 5:45: "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." This helps me to focus on the fact that God, who is sovereign, and to whom I have given my life, has brought this blessing into the person's life. Therefore, who am I to question it or envy it? If God wanted to bless me in this way, He would have done.

3. I remind myself of how much God has blessed me, and equally, that even if God had not blessed me at all, he would have had every right to do so. God owes me nothing.

4. I repent of my envy and my worldly attitudes. I exist to glorify God and enjoy Him (see the Westminster Confession). The world tells me that I must have this or that. The world tells me that my life should be free of trouble and sickness. The world tells me to aim for a life of luxury, where I surround myself with the things that I want and do nothing for others. Jesus tells me to renounce the world, to pick up my cross and follow him (Luke 14:25-35).

5. I meditate on the cost to Jesus of my salvation. The more I meditate, the more precious he becomes to me.

The Christian life does not come easily to us. The Holy Spirit helps us in the most amazing ways, but He will not do so without our co-operation and effort.

Lord Jesus Christ, how I worship and adore you. Forgive my paltry desires for worldly things. You are my true delight, and if I have you, I need nothing else. Amen.