Day 34, Year 1
People Often Twist Themselves for Personal Gains
“Then Rachel said, ‘With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.’ So she called his name Naphtali.” (Genesis 30:8 NKJV)
The word “wrestle” in today’s verse is pathal in Hebrew, which also means “to twist,” and it is the very first time the word appeared in the Bible. This verse records the conflict between Rachel and her sister Leah, which could be seen as a form of twisted rivalry. After marrying, Leah bore several children, whereas Rachel remained barren. Hence, Rachel devised a plan by offering her maid to her husband as a concubine, leading to Naphtali’s birth. This name infers her “victory in wrestling.”
Similar to the previous mention of king Saul, human crookedness often serves self-interest. In truth, comparing one’s life and achievements to others, like childbearing, is unnecessary and harmful. Such wrong comparisons could spark jealousy, leading to twisted thoughts and actions. Comparing ourselves to those who are better off might only result in low spirits and low self-esteem, while engaging in comparisons might also lead to unhealthy competition, ultimately causing harm to ourselves and our relationship with others. Conversely, comparing ourselves to those less fortunate might evoke pride and arrogance in us. Thus, comparisons with others are nothing good at all.
Instead of constantly focusing on others, believers should focus on God and be grateful for all His blessings upon us. Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, it is vital for us to learn and practice God’s righteousness. We need to follow the examples of saints in the Bible, identify with them, and even assimilate them, but not with those who have little faith around us. Just knowing what is righteous is not enough. What is always more crucial for us is to act with God’s wisdom and power in practicing His righteousness. Furthermore, when we follow His guidance and commands, we could receive His overflowing blessings even to bless others.
Yet, growing up in a household that does not value reasoning or wisdom might often impair our ability to act righteously. To address this problem, we could take two approaches. On one hand, we could internalize God’s words and relevant principles to engage in internal debates against ungodly voices and habits, and thus attempt to convince ourselves to act according to His righteousness. On the other hand, we could address and eliminate all irrational voices, emotions, beliefs, habits, and other obstacles within ourselves so as to be completely healed from inner crookedness but only to embrace God’s righteousness and uprightness.
Reflection questions:
1) Do you struggle with comparing yourself to others with feelings of jealousy or even arrogance? If so, how do you rely on the Lord to overcome this problem?
2) Do you think that you grew up in a family that values reasoning and principles? If not, how are you going to take God’s words and principles to transform yourself completely?