Counting The Nuts

Galatians 5:25-26 – “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

There was as story recently in which some passengers on a major airline were complaining that the first-class passengers got more cashews in their snacks than rest of the folks.  Somebody sat there and counted how many nuts of each kind he had.  He didn’t think the mix of almonds, cashews, and other nuts was fairly divided.  I hate to break it to you, but if you’re counting your nuts, you might be nuts.  Happiness never comes from comparing your blessings to somebody else’s. That’s called envy, and it will rot your soul.  Proverbs 14:30 says, “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”  Maybe you don’t count nuts, but do you keep track of who has a nicer house or car than you?  Does it bother you when someone else gets a promotion at work?  Do you become jealous of friends having fun together and spending time together if you’re not there?  The Bible says love doesn’t keep a count of the bad things, but rejoices in the good things. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.” (1 Cor. 13:4) Instead of getting upset when someone has extra, why not be glad for them?  If you have to count something, count your blessings.  When you concentrate on what you have, instead of what you don’t, you’ll be surprised how much more joy you’ll find. The things that really count in life are how much we love God, and how much we love and serve others.  Everything else is just peanuts.