How To Overcome Envy Series

I can go through life trying to get after this robe – the multi colored robe – to fill a need that I think I have. Or I can focus on God’s love for me. And know that He has a greater plan and a preferred future for me. That He doesn’t owe me anything. But He loves me. And I can live in light of that love.

And the white robe is coming.

That’s the challenge I have for myself that I share with you. To refocus on God and others.

Conclusion

Ortberg ‘Everyone is normal until you get to know them.’

To have strong relationships in the body of Christ we must deal with our brokenness. How do we deal with brokenness? Individually realize we are all broken people. In many stores you find merchandise in a certain section marked with a 2 word phrase. This 2 word phrase is a red flag about the merchandise being offered. AS IS. What the store is basically saying is these items are damaged goods. Another phrase they like to use is slightly irregular. The store is issuing a warning, something went wrong. You are going to find a flaw, the size is wrong, the zipper does not work, buttons are missing, there is a stain that will not come out –there is a problem. The store is saying if you are looking for perfection, you are in the wrong section. If you buy it here, you are getting it as is. When it comes to the church, you have come to the as is section of the universe. Everyone one of us has a tag that simply says, as is. In other words, there is a flaw here. For some it is envy, jealousy, greed, temper, pride but we all have a tag that says as is. The problem in the church is we don’t like to admit we are as is people. We want to pretend everything is normal or fine even perfect and we will do anything to keep up the disguise of normal. We come to church and pretend everything is normal, but inside we know it is not. And we are so afraid others will fin out we are not the perfect dad, mom, husband wife, child, family, student or _______________ We are as sick as a our secrets and the only way we can find true community the only way we can have true biblical relationships is to come to grips with our brokenness. This morning you received a white tag you’re as is tag. I want to challenge you to put on your as is tag serves as a reminder. Serves as a reminder to yourself that you are a broken person that you need someone to handle your brokenness. I NEED YOU Serves as reminder to others that you are a broken person, that you have a flaw. I AM SORRY. I have a flaw, and if you have a relationship with me, I may disappoint you, I may fail you and so I say I AM SORRY. The key to being comforted is to admit you are a broken person.

Prayer:

If you struggle with envy I just want to ask if you’re ready to attack it why don’t you just say this simple prayer. Just saying you want help. God I know You don’t owe me. Just say that in the silence of your heart. You don’t have to say it out loud, “God, I know You don’t owe me. And God I’m sorry for my arrogance. I know that I’m trying to seek satisfaction or contentment in other places rather than You. Forgive me. Would You give me the courage and the strength to celebrate others and help me defeat the envy that looms in my heart? God, thank You for hearing my prayers. And for loving me enough to cancel the debt that I can’t pay on my own.” We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.