The Germans have a word for it: schadenfreude. It means to take joy in another’s misery. We can sometimes feel schadenfreude when someone else slips up. A politician we don’t admire stumbles over his words. A famous person who has great wealth suddenly goes bankrupt. Part of us feels sad, but we might also secretly enjoy the turn of events.
We can often be perfectly content with our talents until we encounter someone who has a little bit more. Then we catch the “–er” virus, fixating on the ways the other is better, richer, prettier, smarter—even holier. It’s so easy to compare, even to evaluate who is more spiritual.
The Corinthians thought they were more spiritual than others because they could speak in the language of angels (1 Corinthians 13:1). They looked down on Paul, whose “plain” speech was too timid and ordinary (1 Corinthians 2:1-4). But he reminded them that he was every bit as spiritual as they were (1 Corinthians 14:3-7), and that rather than judge among themselves, each person should focus on being faithful with the gifts God had given them (1 Corinthians 4:2,6).
This is more easily said than done. It’s only possible because of Jesus. Paul wrote, “In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (Colossians 2:9-10).
You are complete in Jesus! Your value is fixed. You can’t do anything to make it larger. Who you are is who you are in Jesus. Period. Full stop. You can rejoice with those who outshine you, for their excellence doesn’t affect you one bit.
Find your significance—your identity—in Jesus. You’ll lose if you look for it anywhere else. There’s no winner in the comparison game.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 1:1-25
More:
Read 1 Samuel 18:1-16 to learn how comparison can destroy us.
Next:
Do you sometimes feel jealous of others? Consider giving a compliment, writing a note, or doing something that shows your appreciation for them and their gifts. Why does God want you to be content in who you are?
pilong56 on June 9, 2015 at 2:25 am
pilong56
As I would say as Billy Graham often once said to Chuck Colson,you must be born again and put away the old man and apply with the new man. Which also means we must
repent of our sins and forget about the past years,we must look forward for what’s behind our dreams. Love,
Bobbypark
Mike Wittmer on June 9, 2015 at 8:28 am
Excellent point. Every time we feel the envy of our old self, we must remember who we really are in Jesus.
Gary Shultz on June 9, 2015 at 6:10 am
I have to admit I enjoy a little schadenfreude now and then. Depending on the event and who it happened sizes up the struggle to put those thoughts in proper perspective. As part of the statement Jesus made to Peter, “What is that to you? You must follow me.” My job is to follow and let the “er” stuff up to Him. To concentrate on His presence and will in my life. I soon find I have enough work to do without judging or enjoying some schadenfreude.
praise the lord on June 9, 2015 at 7:57 am
i am right there with you.
praise the lord on June 9, 2015 at 7:54 am
With Paul there are the boasters and Paul is not crushed because he stands firm in the Spirit of Christ.. Saul, on the other hand, is no longer walking in the Spirit and he is jealous and fearful. The tenth commandment states “You shall not covet”. I always thought of it in terms of goods. But these scriptures are about coveting spiritual gifts, and coveting someone elses popularity. I perceive these as the opposite ends of insecurity. It is like a seesaw. On either end the focus is on self. When I am focused on Christ the seesaw is even. There is contentment when I am focused on Him. The above suggestions are responding to others in kindness and encouragement. When the seesaw is down or up my intents towards others become evil as Saul’s did. Lord I have been on both ends of that seesaw. Help me to stay balanced with you.
Mike Wittmer on June 9, 2015 at 8:31 am
Paul’s attitude in Philippians 1:15-18 is remarkable: “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
praise the lord on June 9, 2015 at 4:03 pm
Thank you for the scripture. I appreciate the time you spend with the Lord in preparing the devotional and the scripture references. I also like the Next block. The devotional helps me to meditate on God’s word and to use it in a practical way in my life. A couple of scriptures I had were Philippians 4:11-12; James 4:11-12; Hebrews 13:5 and Proverbs 16:18 These scriptures may not mean much to someone else but they spoke to me.