King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were infamous for numerous terrible actions, as I was once reminded when God showed me something was not my vineyard.

Ahab looked out of his palace, noticed Naboth’s vineyard, and wanted it for himself. Naboth, desiring to keep his father’s vineyard, refused the king’s request, even though the king promised him another vineyard in the kingdom. So, what did Ahab do? He went home, threw himself on his bed, and pouted. He had a royal pity party.

Sound familiar? Boy, I could see myself in Ahab. I was working hard, chasing this dream of writing. Everywhere I looked, others seemed more successful with growing platforms. But little ole me? I was still in a holding pattern with no forward momentum. It would be easy to go home, throw myself on the bed, and have my own pity party. And I almost did.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

~Proverbs 14:30 NIV

But it’s not my vineyard. When God opens doors in the lives of those around me, this is His timing, not theirs. Or mine. He declares the time and makes the success happen. He is growing their vineyard. And their vineyard is a calling I can never fill.

Ahab’s pity party led Jezebel to kill Naboth to get the king the vineyard. Her evil plan worked, and Ahab got what he wanted. But as a result, the promise of death came on him and his whole household. Ahab looked to this possession as a way to bring satisfaction to his life, but it only brought death. It was never his vineyard to begin with.

God has given each of us our vineyards. Some grow faster while others slowly produce. Either way, we must remain true to our vineyard and not compare growth and success with others. We must faithfully tend the soil and maintain our Father’s fruit. In time, we will reap a harvest. However, if we spend time seeking another’s vineyard, ours will never get the attention it needs to reap a harvest.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

~Colossians 3:17 CSB

We must encourage those whose vineyards are producing and become their cheerleaders and promoters. But we must leave the jealousy and coveting out of the picture. Their success was never ours for the taking. We have our own tending to do.

Think about why you need to compare when another has experienced prosperity. 

God, teach me to tend what You give me wholeheartedly and not compare myself to others.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Not My Vineyard: Christy Bass Adams: All Rights Reserved