subject: Dear Mom: Letters for Every Occasion – Jealousy [print this page] Dear Mom: Letters for Every Occasion Jealousy
Jealousy:
Needs vs. Wants
September 4, 2002
Dear Mom:
The preparations for Peter, Paul and my special event are coming along faster than expected, though there is still a lot to do. It is going to be a grand event and everyone in heaven is excited about it and for us.
I must tell you that everyone in heaven is truly thrilled that I was chosen to work with Peter and Paul on this project. Thank God the whole idea of being jealous about what someone else has does not exist in heaven. God makes sure we all have everything we need or want in heaven as He does when we are on earth, we just don't always appreciate it when we are on earth. Besides, once you are truly with Him, nothing else seems so important.
I understand dad is thinking about buying a new car. After all, his "old" one is three years old. I thought dad told you that he would not need a new car for at least a half a dozen years. I know time in heaven is different than time on earth, but even I know the difference between three and six years.
Jesus laughs about some of the things we do on earth. Yes Mom, He has a great sense of humor. He thinks that it is silly that we buy and sell thing instead of sharing what He has given to us for free. He especially gets a kick out people on earth buying and selling things that are just lying around for free like wood, dirt and grass. Jesus got down right hysterical when I told him how grandpa bought rocks to landscape his property.
The problem is that most people on earth seem to want more than they have been blessed with. Shortly after we get our first apartment we wish we had a house. When we do get a house, we wish we had a bigger one. We have all done this. It starts as soon as we realize that one of our playmates has a toy we don't have.
Jesus was sharing His concern about this particular human behavior just last night. It has its' roots in our human sin nature and must be avoided by Christians at all times. This is not a new problem. God included, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house or anything that belongs to your neighbor..." in the Ten Commandments.
So ask dad before he buys a new car if he "needs" a new car or if he only wants a new car because his friend just got one? If he decides he "really" doesn't need a new car, perhaps he could give the money he saves to the family down the road, they could really use it.
Love Always
The complete set of these letters can be found at: http://letterstomom.yolasite.com/
Copyright February 14, 2010 by Mark Liptak. All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in any format without prior written permission of the author, except for individual letters which can be reproduced and shared with anyone who might benefit from them. Printed in the USA.
