Today’s Tasting: Numbers 16-17: Although God had given the Israelites very detailed instructions about the duties of the tribes of Israel regarding the care of the temple and support of the priests, some of the leaders became jealous of Moses and Aaron. They gathered a company of men to rise against them. God responded by demonstrating that He had indeed chosen the house of Aaron to be the priests.
Today’s Nourishment: How often do we become envious of what others own? The Bible speaks about jealousy repeatedly. This is the tenth commandment that God gave to Moses: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s” (Exodus 20:17).
It’s easy to dismiss these commandments as Old Testament writings that don’t really apply today. However, if we look past the literal verbiage and focus on the intent, we will find that they are as true today as they were thousands of years ago.
Although very few of us have servants, oxen, or donkeys, have there been times when you said “I wish I had a house as nice as so and so” or “Why does he (or she) always get the promotion?” We can easily see how these thoughts might be the equivalent of coveting your neighbor’s ox.
Proverbs 6:19 says God hates it when we sow discord among each other. But do you find yourself talking with friends or coworkers about someone else? Are you good at holding your tongue and not participating in the gossip session? Paul reminds us in Titus 3:2 “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
My point is that God has gifted all of us with special and unique gifts. He has set us all on a path of His choosing. When we become dissatisfied, or stray from his desires for us, we are actually dishonoring God.
The next time you find yourself envious of your neighbor, or the next time you catch yourself taking part in the gossip, take a step back and ask yourself whether this is what God intends for you?
My prayer is that you will realize the gifts God has given specifically to you and the glorious path that he has set in motion just for you. I pray that instead of being dissatisfied, you will be joyous and relish the love He has bestowed upon you.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Numbers 18-20
Monica
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Thank you Monica I never looked at it that way, that we would actually be dis honoring God when we become dissatisfied with the path He’s chosen for us. I realize more and more that we’re all different and so is our path. I’m gonna choose to be joyous where He has me and keep my focus on Him in this path so He can use me in my gift that He has put in me. Thank You Lord and I do relish the love You’ve bestowed upon me!
Great, great word! I was just talking with another sister in Christ about this very subject. Thanks so much for the reminder, Monica. I was telling her that I was thankful for the journey that God has chosen for me, even though it didn’t look like other ones that I knew of. I’ve learned to be content and follow the path God has for me instead of trying to mimic or follow the path He has for someone else.
Monica, this is such a great post. I accept the gifts He has given me and I choose to honor Him with them. After all, He gifted me to gift and share them with others.