Thur Jun 1, 2017.
Bible reading: 1 Timothy 6: 6-12
Memory Verse: For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NASB)
A crow lived in the forest and was absolutely satisfied in life. But one day he saw a swan. “This swan is so white, he thought, and I am so black. This swan must be the happiest bird in the world.”
He expressed his thoughts to the swan. “Actually,” the swan replied, “I was feeling that I was the happiest bird around until I saw a parrot, which has two colours. I now think the parrot is the happiest bird in creation.”
The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot explained, “I lived a very happy life—until I saw a peacock. I have only two colours, but the peacock has multiple colours.” The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and saw that hundreds of people had gathered to see him.
When the people left, the crow approached the peacock. “Dear peacock,” the crow said, “You are so beautiful. Everyday thousands of people come to see you. When people see me, they immediately shoo me away. I think you are the happiest bird on the planet.”
The peacock replied, “I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But because of my beauty, I am entrapped in this zoo. I have examined the zoo very carefully, and I have realized that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage. So for past few days I have been thinking that if I were a crow, I could happily roam everywhere.”
This story summarizes our problem in this world: The crow thinks the swan is happy, the swan thinks the parrot is happy, the parrot thinks the peacock is happy, and the peacock thinks the crow is happy.
Lesson: While you complain and become envious of other people’s qualities, you may be surprised that these same people are envious about God’s magnanimous grace over another aspect of your life that is oblivious to you. We all have something to be proud of.
Quote: Embrace yourself. I challenge you to appreciate the person you see when you stand in front of your mirror.
Prophetic Word: May you see the light of God in you, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
Holy Spirit, teach me to be happy and contented in You, in Jesus name
I cast out the spirit of comparison away from my heart, in Jesus name.
I receive the spirit of contentment and joy in the Holy Ghost, in Jesus name.
