Everywhere we see how people destroyed their lives, and it all started with this eeny weeny feeling of wanting something they do not have. ENVY. There are different kinds of envy – it could be physical, relational, talent, and material. The Bible has lots of stories about envious people; there’s Cain, Rachel, Leah, Saul, Joseph’s brothers, and this angel Lucifer. All of them are ordinary people (except of course from that bad angel), who knew God, but like us they were also plagued with this illness. A regular guy may say, “Oops that’s not me. I don’t kill over an iPod.” Or “Why? Is it bad to want something that you do not have?’ But this is not the point. Wanting is a part of our nature, being human with insatiable wants and needs. But if we are going to understand the true meaning of envy, in God’s point of view, we can now put boundaries as to what and how we could manage our cravings. ENVY IS RESENTING GOD’S GOODNESS IN OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES and at the same time IGNORING GOD’S GOODNESS IN OUR OWN LIFE. As we understand this truth we’ll get to realize that there’s no small or big envy, that nevertheless, the temperature is the same whether you dip your toe or dive in headfirst. This bitter feeling is of the devil, as stated in James 3: 14-16, for a simple feeling of jealousy might lead us to stealing, lying, and eventually murder (ok, that one is too much). So, what shall we do with this sickness within us? First, we should not compare ourselves with others. 2 Corinthians 10:12 says, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves…” There are only 2 things that might happen to us if we compare; if we see someone better we become envious, or, if we think we are better than that person we become proud. On the other hand. if we compare one person to another, we breed contempt and hatred in their hearts.
Celebrate God’s goodness to others. If somebody else get hold of something you are hoping for, it is just right to rejoice with that person. King Saul’s son, Jonathan, has all the ingredient there is to resent David. Instead, “Don’t be afraid”, he said, “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. 1 Samuel 23:17 As we learn to be happy for others, we leave no room for envy to linger in our hearts, for evil cannot have a grip wherever God reigns.
Embrace God’s goodness to you. “Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Eccl. 6:9 Not being grateful for our blessings means insulting God’s goodness to us. If we give in to each and every jealousy, you’re in to a slippery slope; the “resentments” are never-ending. But if we focus on what the Lord has given us the “thank you’s” are boundless. Let us be appreciative of God’s graciousness, His gifts are new everyday. Do you have a problem of envy in your heart? Go back then to God’s words –“…God our Savior showed us His kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit…” Titus 3:3-5– A place to live, food to eat, clean air to breath, another day to live, God gave us everything we need, to the point of sacrificing His only Son to ensure our place in heaven. What else can you ask for more?