If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love does not envy. (I Corinthians 14:3,4)
Glorious Father,
All good things can go too far. Wanting our good works to achieve higher levels of accomplishment is a good thing. Watching what other people/churches do in order to learn from them is a good thing. But all of that can easily lead to envy - envy of the accomplishments of others who are trying to do the same good work, envy of the recognition others are receiving. Envy can actually motivate us to do more and accomplish more. Isn't that a good thing?
Teach these children your principles - that anything we accomplish from a platform of envy does not honor you nor do you honor us for it. May they understand that you always want them to rejoice with those who rejoice and give honor to others for their accomplishments, understanding that the arena of good works is not an athletic competition. Help them to desire to do good works only for the applause of heaven.
Amen
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