Envy is an insidious condition of the heart which causes great damage to the person and those around them. The Bible speaks very strongly against envy and coveting. If we desire to live a victorious and loving life as a Christian, we cannot tolerate envy in our lives!
Envy is generally symptomatic of other issues. Lack of thankfulness and doubting God’s best for us, causes envy in one’s heart. This leads one to overstepping God’s boundary of provision and giving ourselves permission to be in someone else’s lot!
Definition of “envy” according to Webster’s Dictionary:
1. The feeling of wanting to have what someone else has : someone or something that causes envy.
2. Painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage
Dare not to compare
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
Paul clearly states that comparing ourselves to each other is not wise. It opens the door to envy and competition. People start entertaining ideas that are beyond their personal boundary and are inappropriate: “How come she is married and I’m not!?” “My coworker got a promotion on the job already. He’s only been here for a couple of years. I have been working for 5 years without a promotion.“ “I want those jeans she’s wearing. She looks too cute in them. I have to find a pair.” “I work harder than others that’s why I am the favorite!” “He’s already preaching. That’s not fair. I should be preaching. I am more qualified.” Comparison shuts off our love valve and leaves us either bankrupt or too proud by the comparison we have made.
DO NOT ENTER someone else’s possession
Do not desire anything that belongs to your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that tis your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17
Definition of “covet” according to Webster’s Dictionary:
1. to wish for earnestly <covet an award>
2. to desire (what belongs to another) inordinately or culpably
The Ten Commandments address coveting very strongly. The Lord has given much detail about the things that shouldn’t be coveted. Basically, anything that is owned by someone else cannot be coveted. There is a DO NOT ENTER sign in front of their lot; we are not permitted by the Lord to enter in.
It is not up to us to determine who deserves good things. The person who has those possessions may or may not be stewarding them well. Ultimately if we are envious of someone else or covet what they have, it is more about the condition of heart and our lack of love for the person.
Do you have a tendency to compare yourself to others? Do you find it difficult to be happy for others’ successes especially those that you have been comparing yourself to?
Let’s start by thanking God for what we already have. Ask the Lord to expose any envy in your heart towards someone. Pray for that person and bless them.
For comments, please email me at karlinefischer@yahoo.com.