UNPACK This...Being a Good Teammate in Lifeಮಾದರಿ

I'm So Jealous

Week 2 of the 2024 NFL regular season featured the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears squaring off in primetime.

For neutral fans, it was an intriguing contest, featuring rookie Caleb Williams, the #1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, against C.J. Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

However, for Panthers fans like me, the game was a huge reminder that Carolina passed on Stroud in favor of Bryce Young and traded the 2024 first-overall pick (who turned out to be Caleb Williams) to move up and select Young in the 2023 draft.

Many negative thoughts and emotions swirled around among Panthers fans during that game, but one prevalent attitude was envy. We wanted what the Texans had!

Envy and jealousy aren't exclusive to our sports fandom, as they can infiltrate our minds and hearts when we witness friends, family members, neighbors, and people on TV experiencing other kinds of "winning," blessings, or having something we wish we had.

However, Proverbs 14:30 (NLT) advises, "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones."

Envy can lead to bitterness, resentment, anger, discontent, and a lack of gratitude, ultimately resulting in pain. As followers of Jesus, those attitudes aren't in alignment with how God calls us to live.

Colossians 3:15 (NLT) implores us to "…let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

After all, we have everything we need in Him. We don't deserve anything, yet He gives us so much, especially Himself, and His love, grace, and mercy.

Even when it comes to material things, relationships, or experiences that we see others have, we must be content and grateful for what He has provided us instead of letting jealousy and envy take root.

Today, let's praise God for His goodness in our lives and be encouraged to avoid the pitfalls of envy.

1 Peter 2:1 (AMP) challenges, "So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech."

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the envious thoughts that fill my mind and heart. Please convict me quickly when they start and remind me of Your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

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