Jealous

In 2 Nephi 5 we witness Laman and Lemuel being so angry at their brother Nephi that Nephi was warned by the Lord to depart from them. 

2 Nephi 5: 3 Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people.

The feelings of Laman and Lemuel were rooted in pride and jealousy. I can imagine it might be difficult to have a younger sibling that was blessed with the faith of Nephi and yet, not have that faith yourself? Or perhaps it was only the power to lead that they were seeking? Giving them the benefit of the doubt -perhaps Laman and Lemuel wondered why their faith was not as strong as Nephi's towards their father - the prophet - and his instructions? Instead of praying as Nephi to receive their own witness and to strengthen their faith - they became jealous and prideful. 

From the Laborers in the Vineyard by Jeffery R. Holland, April 2012 we read: 

" Brothers and sisters there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us to not be hurt- and certainly to not feel envious when good fortune comes to another. We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest, the most talented, most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race that we are really in is the race against sin and surely envy is one of the most universal of those." 

There have been moments in my life when I have wished for a certain calling not because I wanted any title but because I have wanted to serve the Lord in the way that I thought that I could be of service. In this way I envied a calling that someone else had. I am very thankful that as I prayed to overcome that feeling of wishing that I had something that I didn't- He would sent me experiences that allowed me to know that I was exactly where HE wanted me which is ultimately my strongest desire. I was even given the chance to teach in the capacity that I had hoped for on occasion and boy was I thankful that the Lord knows best, because I was able to see why that calling was not my greatest strength!!! 

I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love that we are led in the church by a prophet of God that is the closest representative of the Savior on the earth that we have. I feel my prayers being answered daily. My God supports and sustains me in my trials. For all of these things I am eternally grateful. 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ- whom I love - Amen.