30 Little Things: The Book of GenesisSample

Jealousy. (Cain and Abel pt.3)

How many times do we look at the people around us and feel like we want to have what they have? How often do we say to ourselves, 'if only our house was as big as theirs', or, 'I wish I got a new phone like hers'? This is a problem for us, because as human beings, it is by our nature that we will never be satisfied. We will always long for more. We will always want a bigger house, a newer gadget, a higher grade, more money, and etcetera. If we look at others and find them more successful than us, we start to feel uncomfortable with ourselves and long for their success. Is this right? Of course not. Cain experienced jealousy when he saw Abel's sacrifice accepted by God. Cain felt dejected and he couldn't accept Abel's 'success'. When in fact, Cain's offering was rejected by God because he still needs to introspect himself in giving the best for God.

At moments when we feel like our situation is worse than others, or when we can't take others' victories and be happy for them, we need to turn to God and reflect on our hearts. What do we need to improve? Are we procrastinating too much? Is it because we are too arrogant that God feels we are not ready for our great success yet? Don't feed your emotions with jealousy. When you feel like the grass is greener on the other side, come to God and reflect.