BEWARE OF ENVY
Proverbs 14: 27-30
Envy can best be described as resentment at the success or happiness of others. As bad as it is, it is sad that even among Christians, you see envy and strife gaining ground. You see believers scornfully dismissing the testimony of other brethren. When a person dedicates something new, it is envy that causes another person to trivialize the achievement. No matter how we try to excuse ourselves, envy is totally condemned by the Bible. The Book of Galatians 5:19-26 listed it among the works of the flesh.
The test of envy is to sincerely question your feelings towards the achievement of others? When someone is making progress and deep within you, you are thinking Why him/her? What you are invariably saying is Why not me? Envy is at work when we feel others are getting what we think we deserve.
Envy can ruin a person’s life. This was what destroyed King Saul. He was chosen by God as King over Israel and he started well. After he disobeyed God, instead of him to accept the verdict of God, he developed envy toward David. This envy caused him to drift away from God, which eventually led to his destruction. Envy brings destruction.
It is important that you deal with this cancerous emotion so that it will not destroy you. Choose to be happy with others even if they are getting what you have been praying for. The fact they have theirs does not mean that you will never get yours. But see it as a proof that God is in your neighbourhood and yours will be delivered to you as you celebrate with others.
Memory Verse: “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:14-16).
PRAYER: Lord guard my heart against envy and strife.
