God Didn't Create Us To Be Average (Daily Devotional)

January 27th

"Don't not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17

The Bible clearly tells us we are not to covet what our neighbor has. We can't want what they have. What God has given us is enough and we are to be thankful for it. We are not to be jealous of what they have.

I'm sure you were jealous of someone at one point. I know I have been jealous of people and what they have before. They have what I have always wanted something, like their phone, car, clothes, etc. Things like that.

Psalm 136:1 says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever." We have two reasons to be thankful: God's constant goodness and His steadfast love.

Be thankful for the life He gives you. He gives you what you have right now for a reason. He promises to feed us, give us shelter, and give us clothes. He promises these things. I'm sure you have more than what you need, but I know many don't. Be grateful for the house you live in, be thankful for the food you are able to eat. Thank him for anything do have. I'm sure you could have less. You could be living on the streets. Praise God every moment you can. Thank Him whenever you have the second to do that.

Don't be greedy and covet what others have. Ask God for forgiveness if you coveted. Ask for help to be thankful for what you do have. Thank him for what you do have. Always thank him.

"But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." James 3:14-16(ESV)

"Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" Proverbs 27:4 (NIV)

Dear Lord,
I just want to start off by thanking you for everything thing I have. I may not have everything that I need, but I sure have what I need to live. Thank you for your promises to keep me fed and clothed. Thank you for everything. If I have coveted, forgive me, Lord. I try not to want what everyone else has. No matter how much I want that thing. Help me to remember to be thankful for everything I have. Help me to remember to thank you every moment I can! In Jesus name, Amen.