Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong.
~Psalm 37:1 NLT
As I listened to their list of accolades and heard about their accomplishments, I felt the envy bug creep up my back.
I was attending my first writer’s conference. As a beginning writer, I was impressed with my short list of accomplishments. Two self-published books and a few published devotions and poems. But nothing for which anyone had paid me. I also had a website—not long off the press—with a moderate number of daily visitors.
But my pride in my accomplishments didn’t last long. Other writers and authors who had much longer lists took the stage. Multiple books published by traditional publishers with mega sales. Authors who made a living by writing short stories and devotions. Writers who had websites that hosted thousands of followers. I felt the envy bug make its way to my shoulder and proudly sit.
Then one of the conference hosts asked a question that humbled me and sent the envy bug scampering: “Suppose none of your writings ever appeared in print. Would you still write?”
The question caused me to examine my motives for writing. Was I doing this for me or God? This conference was supposed to help me hone my writing skills but also remind me for whom I was writing. I had not called myself to the position of writer; God had.
Several years later, my list of accolades was much longer, but the envy bug still occasionally sits on my shoulder. Serving as the managing editor for two websites allows me to help other writers begin their journeys. Doing so also reminds me that this journey as a writer is not about me but the one I serve and write for.
The psalmist warns about envying those who do wrong. While I wasn’t doing that, I was envying—and envying in any form is bad business.
God has a unique plan for every individual. For some, that might mean possessions, power, and popularity. For others, it could mean obscurity with a limited amount of influence. Either way, our job is to find God’s niche and be content where He places us. After all, what we do should be done for His glory, not ours.
Don’t let the envy bug creep up your back. Remember to do everything for the glory of God.
Father, may my motive for everything I do be to honor the name of the one who gave His life for me.
- Devotions from Psalms Series: The Envy Bug - March 26, 2025
- Devotions from Psalms Series: Praising God . . . Regardless - February 24, 2025
- Devotions from Psalms Series: Accused - February 2, 2025
