Stayin’ Low
Alright, now, Buttercup, pull up one o’ them there porch chairs that ain’t leanin’ like a tired ol’ scarecrow and be ‘a-settlin’ yourself in ‘cause we’re ‘bout to stroll through a truth that’ll stick to your ribs better’n biscuits and sawmill gravy. I was thinkin’ the other day ‘bout how folks can be actin’ like a bunch of jealous blue jays ‘a-fussin’ at a squirrel who done found the last acorn. And right in the middle of that thought, the Lord brought Matthew 23:12 to mind, where Jesus says that the ones who puff themselves up will end up humbled, and the ones who stay humble will be lifted high. That there verse slipped into my heart quieter than a lil’ raccoon ‘a-sneakin’ toward a trash can, and it done reminded me that envy is just pride ‘a-wearin’ a different hat.
Now let me be ‘a-tellin’ you ‘bout a woman ‘a-walkin’ on the beach who done saw a man catchin’ crabs. He was ‘a-tossin’ ‘em in a bucket with no lid. She asked him why he ain’t ‘a-puttin’ no lid on that there bucket? He said, “Don’t need one. Every time one crab tries to climb out, the others done be yankin’ it right back down agin.” Well , now, Buttercup, if that ain’t a picture of how humans behave on our most worst days. Some folks git to seein’ someone else ‘a-climbin’ toward somethin’ good, and they then done git to hollerin’ inside their hearts, “You get back down here with the rest of us.” It’s real envy, plain and simple, and it gits to spreadin’ faster than some o’ that there real juicy gossip at a church potluck.
Scripture don’t jus’ be ‘a- whisperin’ ‘bout jealousy. Proverbs 14:30 done says that it rots the bones. James 3:16 done says it brings disorder and every kind of evil. Galatians 5:26 done warns us not to be stirrin’ up or rilin’ or envyin’ one another. Envy done makes us stare so hard at someone else’s blessings that we done be ‘a-missin’ the ones ‘a-sittin’ right on our own front porch. It’s like watchin’ your neighbor’s fancy show goat while your own barn door is ‘a-hangin’ open while all the chickens are ‘a-gittin’ out an’ ‘a-wanderin’ off into the woods.
That there cure is real simple. You gotta’ be ‘a-callin’ all envy jus’ ‘zactly what it is. You gotta’ be repentin’. Thank God for what He has already done given you, even if it’s jus’ breath in your lungs and a day without your rooster attackin’ the mailman. Be ‘a-celebratin’ others. Be stayin’ in your lane. And remember that every good thing that done come over your way, whether it lands on your porch or someone else’s, is really God’s good grace.
Father, be ‘a-helpin’ me to spot envy before it done settles in like a lil’ ol’ possum in the crawl space. Be forgivin’ me when I compare, complain, or forget Your goodness. Be teachin’ me to celebrate others, walk humbly, and trust Your timin’. Be fillin’ my heart with gratitude instead of jealousy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, I’ll tell ya’ what, Buttercup, as you git’ to wanderin’ right back into your day, you gotta’ be callin’ to mind that God ain’t even a lil’ bit impressed with folks ‘a-puffin’ themselves up like turkeys ‘a-struttin’ in mating season. He done honors the ones who keep right on stayin’ real humble, grateful, and faithful. And if He can be ‘a-liftin’ up shepherd boys, fishermen, and tax collectors, He can surely be liftin’ you up too, right where you are, without you havin’ to be ‘a-yankin’ anybody else on back down.
With joy,
Gwen
