Yesterday we looked at some reasons for jealousy. But what of you are jealous of someone’s appearance?
If you are jealous of another person because of their appearance, stop and analyze your own good qualities. These may include good cheekbones, a smile that lights up your face, expressive eyes, a good figure, a beautiful head of hair, etc. Whatever your best features are, try and make the best of them and draw attention away from those areas you do not consider to be as attractive.
If is because of their appearance you need to realize you are never going to look like them, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of the features you do have. And a smile always improves anyone’s appearance.
If it is because of the other person’s work situation, you can seek not to compete with them but to improve your own work skills and job situation by going back and retraining or adding to skills in the areas where you have abilities. Then seek to do the best job you can.
When I was younger I struggled with jealousy of people who could paint, draw, make beautiful crafts and play musical instruments – none of which I have any aptitude for, no matter how hard I tried. Then I realized I needed to concentrate on the things I was good at. This includes singing, listening to music and being able to sing it by ear without being able to read music, writing, teaching others, leading bible study and discussion groups, cooking without a recipe.
Since then I’ve tried to develop the areas God has given me skills and abilities in and leave the others to people who are better equipped to do them. That doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a beautiful painting, craft or musical skills but it is now without feeling I need to compete. I’ve learned to be content with who I am and the way God made me. Have you learned to be content with the way God made you and who you are?
Please visit these related blogs
Dealing with jealousy – part 1
jealousy and its close relatives
how can you know God’s will for your life- part 1
grandparents are you being fair? part 2