A monster lives under my bed. I don’t like him, and I don’t want him there. But no matter what I do to try and get rid of him, he holds his ground. Just when I think I’ve driven him away for good, he growls again, reminding me that he’s been there all along.
So I try to at least keep him contained under my bed. As long as he stays there, and doesn’t come out to devour me, I guess I’ll be okay. Still, I have the uncomfortable situation of knowing there’s a monster under my bed.
This monster is big and scary and mean, and he has green eyes. And he has a name, too.
His name is jealousy.
That’s right. I’m jealous of all sorts of things. For example, I’m jealous of Amy Adams’ long legs. Honestly, I think I must have been at the end of the line when God passed out that particular body part. Even though I should be grateful to have legs that work, that carry me from place to place like they’re supposed to, I still envy Amy’s gorgeous gams.
I also envy . . . well, nearly everything about Heather Locklear. The woman is several years older than I am, but she looks twenty-five. That woman won the genetic lottery, for sure.
It’s not just looks that cause my monster to growl. Sometimes, when I watch “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” or thumb through the latest issue of “Better Homes and Gardens,” my monster roars. Then I have to beat him back into submission once again. If I don’t, he won’t stop until he has hurt everyone and everything in his path, and eaten me alive. And trust me. Watching him eat is not a pretty sight. He doesn’t even use a napkin.
That’s why I’ve learned I need to call in the Big Gun. The Exterminator.
God.
You see, God’s Word reminds me to stop focusing on what I don’t have, and remember how blessed I am. When I do that, the green-eyed monster shrinks.
God also tells me to quit listening to the wrong voices. He urges me to disregard what our culture thinks I should look like, or what the media tells me I need, and listen only to Him. When I look to my Heavenly Father for my self-esteem, the monster disappears completely.
After all, God loves me. He thinks I’m pretty terrific, short legs and all. And though He wants me to be the best me I can be, He never makes me feel like I’m not good enough. In His eyes, I’m beautiful.
Yep, as long as I stick with my Heavenly Father, jealousy isn’t a problem. After all, no matter how big that green-eyed monster may seem at times, God is way bigger.
Against God, that monster doesn’t stand a chance.
“Love does not envy,” 1 Corinthians 13:4.
Great post, Renae. I hate that monster.
Thanks, Pam! Me too.
I’ve been lonoikg for a post like this forever (and a day)