Best Verses: Psalms 73:3, 17: “3 For I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end.”

STUFF

Sometimes I feel just like the Psalmist in this verse. I see people in this world who thumb their nose at God, but live comfortably and seem to have everything in life they could dream of. They have the big houses, luxury cars, travel to exotic locations and large bank accounts. It is easy to look at them and be envious, isn’t it?

That’s why I have included verse 3 and verse 17. The Psalmist appears jealous until he goes church. Then God reveals the rest of the story. Those whom he is jealous of will meet their end soon enough. Their earthly pleasures will be replaced with eternal suffering.

TEACHING MOMENT

Has your child ever been jealous of another child’s toys or gifts? Maybe their friend got the very thing they had been wanting. Instead of rejoicing with them, your child sulks and is jealous. How do we teach our children not to covet? How do we teach them to be content with what they have? Contentment is hard. I bet even you have been tempted like that?

We have to teach our kids that true contentment is a lifelong pursuit. It is only normal to desire things that are pretty or fun. And there is absolutely nothing sinful about having nice things. The problem comes when all that we think about is those things. I don’t know about you, but I have to die daily to my wants and desires. I have to be reminded daily by the Lord that all I need is Him.

The next time your child (or yourself) starts talking about wanting the next greatest gadget out there, stop and talk with them about what they really need. All they really need is Christ. All they really need is contentment. All they really need is to see the world with an eternal perspective. When they look at things that way, all the “things” of the world seem worthless and fleeting. How about you?