Lent – April 6
Give up envy and learn to delight in the Lord.
Envy is sometimes called the “green-eyed monster” because of the feelings it engenders inside the envious person. It is defined as discontentment aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. It leads to self-pity.
Envy eats out the heart of its possessor. It causes one’s life to be lived looking over the fence of those around us, desiring what they have rather than enjoying one’s own life.
Envy leads to sorrow and a sense of emptiness and misfortune. It also distracts from what could be our own good purpose. Opportunity is ignored.
The only antidote for envy is twofold: being thankful for one’s own life and dwelling on one’s own purpose or direction in life. Only then can attention be paid to the good that is all around.
Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Psalm 37:1-2.
Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3a.
When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine [Goliath], women came out to meet King Saul. They sang….’Saul has killed his thousands and David his ten thousands.’ This made Saul very angry…The very next day a tormenting spirit…overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. 1 Samuel 18:6-9.
Question: At what times are you most likely to experience envy?
Activity: Make a list of blessings with which you have received in life. Also take inventory of your vision and goals in life which make your life meaningful, good, and God-honoring.
Prayer: Dear Father, I confess that there are moments when envy shows up in my life. Moments when I jealously wish that I had what someone else has. At such times, please help me to take note of how I am personally blessed to be your child with my own unique opportunities. In Jesus’ name I pray this. Amen.