It’s not easy being green.
That’s what I was thinking as today – St. Patrick’s Day – approached. And, no, I wasn’t thinking of Kermit the Frog, who memorialized that song on “The Muppet Show.” Or about the lesson the song teaches: that feeling different can be difficult, but those differences can also make someone unique, valuable and worth appreciating.
I wasn’t even thinking of St. Patrick’s Day, which, of course, has long been associated with the color green.
I was thinking that those who don’t know Christ should be green with envy concerning those of us who do.
Oh, I know there are a lot of things that could be said about that statement that we should be wary of.
First of all, none of us is supposed to feel envious of others – whether we’re in Christ or not.
Also, because those who don’t know Christ, well, really don’t know Christ, they can’t fully grasp what there is to envy about our relationship with him (although I think that some of them, deep down inside, really do).
And certainly, whatever Christians might feel about knowing Christ when others do not, the picture that comes to mind is the Pharisee standing on the corner congratulating himself before God on his own righteousness.
But, truly, what Christians have with Jesus and with the Father and with the Holy Spirit – if envy weren’t bad, and if everyone truly understood what that relationship means, we would be the envy of the world.
Borrowing Paul’s encouragement to “think on these things,” consider what God gives to those who follow him:
– God’s love. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God” – 1 John 3:1. And to think: It comes from the Creator of the Universe. We didn’t earn it, and we certainly didn’t deserve it.
– God’s mercy. “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” – Lamentations 3:22-23. Which is a good thing, because most of us need a fresh start every morning.
– God’s grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith … it is the gift of God” – Ephesians 2:8. The greatest gift we will ever receive – and one we could never, ever, ever purchase on our own.
– God’s guidance. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart … and he will direct your paths” – Proverbs 3:5-6. Which is comforting in a world where the road ahead often feels uncertain.
– God’s provision. “My God will supply every need of yours” – Philippians 4:19. Not always every want, but always every need.
– God’s peace. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:7.
Yes, God supplies all these things to those who follow him. If the rest of the world could see them clearly, they might well be green with envy.
Would that they would make use of the crimson of Christ’s blood and be washed as white as snow.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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