[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 05/May/2024]
Our recent series on the seven deadly sins reminded me of a time, around 40 years ago, when some friends and I compiled a list of the sins in the order in which we committed them. The top three in my list were envy, anger and pride, with envy way out in front. Envy of my more popular sister had blighted my childhood (and hers) and envy of others was continuing to blight my adult life.
Forty years later I still battle with pride and anger, but envy has largely disappeared. One reason could be the many blessings I have received over the last forty years, not least my children, good health and financial provision, but also there has been a change in outlook.
When my younger son was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of six, I suddenly realised that I had failed to appreciate the blessing of having two children in good health until it was taken away. I vowed that I would be thankful for the things I still had, like my own good health, family, friends, job, freedom to worship and many others. The freedom to worship is something we can all appreciate since it was taken away during Covid, although we were still better off than those in countries hostile to Christianity, as online worship was allowed and enabled us to reach even more people.
Another thing I have found over the years is that people who seem to have perfect lives often have hidden problems, perhaps in their marriage or with their children or are still carrying deep hurts from their childhood. Also, the difficulties we have experienced can be used to help others going through the same things. God has a unique plan for each of us and we need to embrace it rather than wasting time looking enviously at others.
As Jesus said when Peter asked what plan he had for John:
If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.
John 21 v22 [NIVUK]
The best cure, not only for envy but also greed, is to follow the advice of the old song “Count your blessings”. Verse 3 says:
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)
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Last week’s reflection: True Humility by Helen Ruffhead
Contributed by Helen Ruffhead; © Helen Ruffhead