THE GRASS IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

I know all of you have heard the saying, “The grass is greener on the other side.” Well, at my house my neighbors can actually say that because we overhauled our yard. We are probably the only people in town who have bright green grass growing at this time of year. But, I don’t really think the saying is about grass.

Envy! The “GREEN-EYED MONSTER!” Why is it that some people only want what someone else has? Have you watched children playing and there is always “that” one child who wants the toy that the other child has? They whine, cry, and pout if they don’t get that one toy. What happens when they finally get the prized possession? Nothing, they throw it down after they realize it was just like all the other toys and that it wasn’t anything special after all. But that is a child, surely we as adults outgrow that stage.

Why is it we compare ourselves to others? I would be happier if I lost 10 pounds. I would be happier if I bought some new clothes or jewelry. I would be happier if I was married. I would be happier if I was single. I would be happier if I had new furniture, a new car, a new house. The list can go on and on forever but NONE of it will actually make you happier.

Here is what will actually make your grass greener:

1. Get rid of the weeds!!! Evaluate your life and instead of adding and buying things, you need to get rid of all the garbage and baggage that is around you. Clutter is a weed. Negativity is a weed. Comparison is a weed. ^{Galatians 5:-21 19} The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
2. Plant new seeds! Now that all the clutter, negativity, and comparison is out of your life you can start fresh. You need to surround yourself with positive energy. Confident and strong Christian friends. 1 Corinthians 13: 4 – 8  4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
   5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
   6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
   7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
   8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
3. Fertilizer is needed! Love and lots of it is needed. Love for your God, love for your family, love for you neighbor. If you spread lots of love you don’t have time to worry about someone else. If your friend loses 10 pounds you need to congratulate them and be happy for them. If your friend gets a new car then ask to go for a ride. If your friend is pregnant ask if you can help throw a baby shower. “You” will be so much happier when you are happy for others. ^{Galatians 5:22} But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Have a Blessed Sunday!