JANUARY 13, Malachi 2:1-2; James 3:16

All believers have sinned; you and I are no exceptions. There have been times we have sinned knowing what we were doing is wrong. Take the example of Allan.

Allan had always done well in school and his mum was proud of him. Allan would do better than his younger sister, Alice, who was two years younger in Primary 3. Alice was clever but lazy. Seeing her older brother doing well, she was encouraged by her mum to work harder. She did not like it at first, for she was lazy! However, slowly, she committed her studies to the Lord, and did the right thing – she studied hard, prayed hard, and disciplined herself not to watch too much television and play too many computer games. Eventually, her results improved.

Everyone in the family was happy for her. Everyone, except her brother, Allan. Why was Allan not happy for Alice? It was because he was afraid his mum would love him less as his sister’s results improved.

Is that the right way to think? Surely we all know that is wrong, but will that happen? Sadly, yes, and often. Dear child, never be jealous should someone else do well, or better than you. Be happy for that person. On your own, you do your best in studies to honour God and to repay the kindness your parents have showered on you.

How do you feel when your brother, sister or good friend does better than you? Are you happy for them and encourage them to try even harder? Dear child, as Christians, we must encourage each other to do better for the Lord.

Thought: Are you a jealous person?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me never to be jealous of others, but instead, be happy for others when they do well, or better than me. That is not easy, but Heavenly Father, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be able to do it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.