Daily Devotional ~ Jan 10

"Never covet the things which God has bestowed
in more abundance upon others than He has upon you."

Surah 4:32 | Islam

The reading goes on to explain that this spirit of covetousness stems from a lack of gratitude for the gifts we do have. This reminds me of two tweets from Jesuit priest James Martin: 

Gospel: Herod was jealous of Jesus. But Jesus didn't try to replace political rulers. Herod's jealousy, like all jealousy, was unnecessary.

— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) January 4, 2015 

Gospel: John the Baptist was free of jealousy. He valued his gifts and calling, and valued Jesus's as well. Jealousy comes from ingratitude.

— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) January 2, 2015

In the words of Professor Gaskill, "God gives us the gifts He does because He has an individual plan for each of our lives. Thus, to covet another's gifts is to reject one's own — and to reject God's personal plan for you."

This strikes me as really true, and reminds me of women and men and priesthood offices in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Are you grateful for the gifts, trials, and mission God has given you in life? (I try to be.)

Are you ever guilty of wishing you had the blessings or gifts of others? (Of course)

Do you sense a divine purpose for you in life; and if so, do you know what that purpose is and what role your gifts are to play in it? (Yes; still working on it) ;)

This also reminds me of my time as a missionary and learning that God hasn't called us all to be the same, but to use our unique gifts in unique ways to fulfill His unique plans for each of us. He hasn't called me to be like others, He's called me to be more fully myself and to be who He knows I can be - not who someone else can be. It can be easy to be jealous of other people and what it looks like they've accomplished or what it seems like other people think of them, but it's healthy and happy to remember that we each look different and that that's a good thing. 

Another tweet from James Martin, SJ, because I really like his tweets: 

Gospel: Jesus was not afraid to be who he was, even before those who knew him, and those who would reject him. God calls you to be yourself.
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) January 8, 2015

:) A happy reminder for all of us, I think.