The movie Amadeus depicts Antonio Salieri as a composer who couldn’t enjoy his gift because he happened to live at the same time as the great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri worked diligently to create a decent musical work, only to watch the impish Mozart sit down at the piano and play soaring music, seemingly off the top of his head. Salieri begged God for Mozart’s gift, but he believed that God gave him just enough talent to recognize the many ways he didn’t measure up.
Salieri’s jealousy had turned to envy. Jealousy says, “I want what you have.” Envy says, “If I can’t have what you have, then I don’t want you to have it.” Envy rejoices at others’ failures.
The book of Acts depicts Joseph as a gifted leader in the early church. Loved by all, the other apostles nicknamed him “Barnabas (which means ‘Son of Encouragement’)” (Acts 4:36). He happened to live at the same time as the greatest church leader of all time, the apostle Paul. Rather than feel threatened by this talented leader, Barnabas humbly served by his side.
When the Christians in Jerusalem weren’t sure they could trust the newly converted Saul, Barnabas “brought him to the apostles” and vouched for his story (Acts 9:26-27). When Barnabas was sent to encourage the believers in Antioch, he went and found Saul so they could lead together (Acts 11:22-26). And when Paul refused to take another chance on Mark, Barnabas decided to let Paul go on and lead without him. Barnabas saw potential in Mark and was willing to risk his reputation to lift him up (Acts 15:36-40).
How do we react when we see people who are better at whatever it is we do? May we seize the opportunity to praise God for their abilities and pray for their success.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Samuel 9:1-13
More:
Read 1 Samuel 18:5–19:10 and consider what happens when we give in to envy.
Next:
What does envy reveal about our view of God and His provision? How can we seek to be more content in Him?
Gary Shultz on April 4, 2017 at 6:13 am
Hi Mike: Now you make me smile. I often muse about how I am probably not the best at anything. I am good at somethings, but not usually the best at any. I find in my life now that’s okay. I used to desire what others had or were able to do, but envy is a unrewarding life pursuit. I will still occasionally be heard to say, after some observations, “they have too much money”. You’re right Mike, “What does envy reveal about our view of God and His provision?” If we follow envy we must say, God cheated me, God did not get something right here, in talent or material. As we learn who God really is, we also learn those things have nothing to do with how much God loves us. And if God loves us, He has something expressly designed for us. God does not just throw His love around like treats at a party. As Barnabas, God had given him a heart to help, if we are not satisfied with our “gifts” and lot in life who really missed the boat? Thanks Mike.
Monica Brands on April 4, 2017 at 8:34 am
“I will still occasionally be heard to say, “they have too much money.” Ha! 🙂 Love your closing thought here.
Mike Wittmer on April 4, 2017 at 10:03 am
Good thoughts, Gary. The other thing about envy is that it requires us to be in competition. I am comparing myself with you, and desperately trying to beat you. That is the fast track to sadness, because I will always find someone better at whatever it is I’m doing. Even if I’m Lebron James, and the best in basketball at the moment, just wait a few years, and I won’t be. How freeing to be content with Jesus and the life he has given me!
sandy229 on April 4, 2017 at 12:08 pm
I like the way you said that Gary, “God does not just throw His love around like treats at a party.” When God blesses us with something, it is always so that we can use it to bless others that God wants us to bless. We are all unique, and God has given each of us a unique gift to be used for His glory.
Tom Felten on April 4, 2017 at 8:22 am
Thanks for this message, Mike. Instead of being envious, it’s so freeing to be supportive of others and their God-given gifting. When we don’t, it can tie us up in knots. May God give us the ability to see beyond our own interests to the greater purposes of God in using the gifts of others!
Monica Brands on April 4, 2017 at 8:32 am
This is so helpful, Mike, thanks for this refreshing insight on Barnabas. Like Tom said, there’s so much more freedom in being an encourager instead of seeing life as a competition. The irony is that when our hearts seek to lift up others in their work for the Kingdom, we also are naturally encouraged and empowered in our own work.
sandy229 on April 4, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Thank you Monica for this encouragement.
mike h. on April 4, 2017 at 10:14 am
I have been told that I have an exaggerated sense of fairness. Maybe that is just a cover for envy and jealousy. I should love God by being thankful for who I am.
crossman61 on April 4, 2017 at 10:50 am
Thank you Mike for pointing this out about Barnabas , I have read this many times , and I don’t think Barnabas lifestyle , or personality has taken that much importance . Or maybe I just weren’t willing to listen at that time? He was definitely a humble man, and very mature. When I see someone that lives this way , the behind the scenes type of person . It makes me think of Mathew 20:16 so the last will be first , and the first last. Taking the lower road , instead of wanting to take the higher road. To always wanting to be recognized for what we do , or have done. And putting Jesus first for the sake of The Gospel , and also others before ourselves . Most of the time is overlooked . Thanks Mike , Humility/encourager, is a much better path than envy !!
sandy229 on April 4, 2017 at 12:01 pm
1 Timothy 6:6, says, “godliness with contentment is a great gain”. Philippians 4:11-14, is what we should model or try to anyway. It seems like the older I get, the more content I am with what I have, things don’t matter like they used to, and I tend to give away a lot of things, especially when I see the need in others, I give them whatever they need. Growing in godliness is what made me this way I think more than growing older, but both seem to have made me more content.
Mike Wittmer on April 4, 2017 at 12:21 pm
sandy229, I agree. I was moving books from my home library to my office yesterday, and it struck me that I should start thinking about giving some of these away. I’m running out of room, and if I haven’t got to them yet, I probably won’t. Maybe it’s time to stop accumulating and start donating.
godlove on April 5, 2017 at 2:32 am
Thank you for sharing the verse from Philippians, sandy. Verse 13 is quoted often but putting it into context with the surrounding verses gives it a whole new meaning, and an important lesson on how to live relying on God only as our divine provider and not on self, which completely cancels out the need to be jealous or envious about others.
sandy229 on April 4, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Thanks Mike for this devotion today, it comes at a time when I really needed to be reminded of it. Again, God’s timing is perfect.
godlove on April 5, 2017 at 2:54 am
Thank you for this important reminder, Mike. I must confess that I had not before noticed this character trait in Barnabas. We truly have no reason to be jealous or envious of others, knowing that God blesses different people with different gifts according to His perfect will. I think the inner pride of the flesh is the biggest cause of this. My big takeaway from all this is that what’s most important is to be held in good regard before God and not to be held in high esteem before other men. Meaning we just as well shouldn’t seek recognition from being humble but just be humble and accept the personalised gifts God has blessed us with, with joy and thanksgiving. I believe that He has blessed each one of us with perfectly tailored gifts, according to our different characters and life situations.