The question I need to ask myself is am I also helping others in their writing journey. Am I willing to take the time to write that positive book review, or provide a word of advice or encouragement to others?
Psalm 35 draws to a close with this warning against schadenfreude: May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace (Psalm 35:26).
So what is schadenfreude you ask? Dictionary.com defines schadenfreude as satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune. It is a compound German word: schaden harm + freude joy. In other words, schadenfreude is the joy you may feel when hearing about another person's calamity. Schadenfreude can be viewed as the ladder-climber's delight in seeing others fall behind or off the ladder entirely. Far too often it manifests in the false assumption that we can advance ourselves by putting others down.
The truth is we advance ourselves by advancing others. Advancing by putdowns has no firm foundation because it hurts others and creates hostility. It usually ends badly because pride precedes a fall, just as darkness follows sunset.
Are you exalting yourself at the expense of others? If so, take some time to repent. Do your best to repair the damaged relationships that result from such behavior.
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| Petrie Island sunrise -- photo by David Kitz |
As writers we should take joy in the success of others rather than resenting their achievements. Let their successes ignite within you a desire for self-improvement. With God's help change what you can within yourself before looking to change others. We all have a place in our heart that needs some renovation.
Then with David we can rejoice when others succeed. May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.”
Response: Father God, give me a heart of thanksgiving. Grant me a pure heart with pure motives. May I always delight in the well-being of your servants. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you suffered from a bad case of Schadenfreude? Do you rejoice when others succeed or are you envious?
David Kitz lives in our nation's capital and chairs the local chapter of the Word Guild. His most recent novel is published by Kregel and available through a variety of sources.
3 comments:
Schadenfreude - that is a sad word.
And, yes, I waffle between being a good marketer and 'tooting my own horn'. I know someone who doesn't do any marketing because she relies on God to sell her books. I feel irresponsible if I don't market. Who is right? I revel in the success of others and draw energy from that. So right now I do not indulge in Schadenfreude and pray I never ever do - harmful joy. What a sad, sad thought.
Good post, though, David. Thanks for making me sit up and think!
Hi, David
It is a fine line between wanting to be successful with our writing and at the same time not being prideful. I have been reading Brian Stiller's book "An insider's guide to Praying for the World". Brian's book won the award in the same category as our devotional at the recent Word Awards. I am so impressed with the content of Brian's book, and feel no envy with his win; he definitely deserved it. I think this is what you are meaning.
Wonderful! Thanks, David, for the lesson in German (that really is an interesting word). And thanks especially for the application to our lives as writers and our need of pure motives, generosity of spirit towards other people and their successes, and for the call to walk in humility. ~~+~~
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