Thursdays - Dawn's Devotions for Writers“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house;
you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male
servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey,
nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:17 NIV)
Do you ever struggle with being envious of fellow writers?
Don’t fib! I think we all struggle with it at one time or another. We’re human. We may envy another writer’s talent, their agent, their fans – even the amount of attention they receive on Facebook! LOL!
We may want to be supportive and celebrate with other writers when they get a three-book deal, or even their first contract. But if we’re not experiencing the same success at the moment, our heart may experience a few twinges. We might even become a bit down and question, “Why not me?” And then in order to make ourselves feel better, find ways to criticize their work.
I attend large writers conferences. One in particular holds two contests. The first is for unpublished authors, and the other is for book of the year. Of course each person who reaches the finals desires to have their book or manuscript win. A personal sense of satisfaction comes with awards, as well as some notoriety. But not everyone can win. How easy it could be for the non-winners to covet the prize and question why they weren’t chosen.
In Exodus we read that we’re not to covet ANYTHING that is our neighbor’s. That includes any type of success others may experience.
God understands our weaknesses. He understands our heart. He also asks us to trust His will and plans for our lives, as well as our fellow writers’ lives.
When you feel envy attempting to find a way into your heart and mind, call on God. Ask Him to give you a spirit of celebration for others. He’ll answer.
Dawn
