Keeping Up with The Joneses
That is a phrase you often hear. Your neighbors have achieved a “presence” in the area. It might be their last name is widely recognized. It might be they have “things” you don’t yet have but want. It is easy to compare ourselves to the “success” of others. It is easy to want a bigger house, a cottage, another car, more land, and the list goes on.
Asaph, in the Old Testament, was a skilled musician from the tribe of Levi. He was in the court of King David, so had access to many of the pleasures of life because of his position. It was not enough. Asaph, like many of us, was not satisfied with having more than most of his fellow countrymen. He wanted what others had, that he did not.
Asaph battled with Envy and Covetousness. It was a slippery slope that almost destroyed his life. His priorities had changed from worshipping God to worshipping the temporary pleasures of this life. This is how Asaph described his sin.
“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Psalm 73:2-3 NIV
He then comes to realize that having God in his life is worth more than all the world’s wealth.
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
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