Jun
24
Zealous, not Jealous
Filed Under Devotional
Confession time: I had a pretty serious bout of jealousy yesterday. One of the software developers I manage came to me and gave his two-week notice. He had been offered a job for a little more money with a company that is effectively virtual. He would get to set his own hours and do the majority of his work from home.
I’m normally very levelheaded when I’ve had to say goodbye to good employees. I told him I was sad to lose him, but that I wished him luck in his new job. I was happy for him that he was able to find a better situation for himself. Inside, though, I was jealous. For years, I’ve wanted what I consider the “perfect” job where I’m writing software at home for what I’m being paid now. It has never materialized. Here was one of my guys getting the kind of job I’d been lusting after for years.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30
After some reflection, I think I’ve settled on just being happy for my future ex-employee. The truth is that knowing the entirety of his life makes me much less jealous. He is not saved and this job change is a bright spot in what’s been an otherwise unhappy series of events over the past year. I don’t really want his life.
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.” Proverbs 23:17
I may not be where I want to be, but it’s where God wants me to be and I want to be where God wants me. Therefore, not being where I want is exactly where I want to be.
I know God will do better things with His plan than I can with mine. I’ll just keep pursuing Him and give a pat on the back to the ones that get what they want.