Envy

Ecc 4:4 NLT
"Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind."

How much do we do for envy? This verse ties into the rewards that Paul talks about in 1 Cor. I truly believe that if we do tasks motivated by envy that much of this work will be estimated as wood, hay, stubble. The key to not doing things out of envy is the desire to honor God. Jesus makes the distinction between honoring God and honoring men. If one honors men, he or she constantly seeks to do things that get praise from the people who surround them. The person who seeks the honor of God does good even in secret places where it can't be seen. He or she knows that even if it is in secret, God will reward him or her openly (taking into consideration that this reward may not come till judgement). Thank you Father for bringing this scripture to my attention. I pray that You would reveal to me all areas of my motivation that stem from envy and that You would help me to base my motivation on honoring You, in Jesus Christ name.