Envy dethrones God. Envy destroys our spiritual health, and it takes the joy, happiness, and contentment out of living. Envy becomes a spiritual leprosy, isolating us from both God and other human beings. No wonder God ranks envy on the same level as sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft, and drunkenness (see Galatians 5:19-21).
To get rid of this devastating poison, first recognize that you have it. Then confess your sin to God and renounce it. Finally, since envy cannot be overcome in your own strength, open your heart to the transforming power of Christ.
Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Michael & Alison Smitherman
The Singing NetSurfers
I will sing to my Lord as long as I live, I will sing
praise to my God while I have my being.
Envy devalues one’s own life, station or outlook as being inferior to another’s. It robs us of self-respect, identity and status as children of God. Most of the time it springs from a sense of inferiority or covetousness (desiring that which belongs to another). It is never good, it always hurts the one experiencing it and seldom affects the one to whom it is directed.
If we face this weakness honestly and turn it over to God, he can help us overcome it. That may begin with a frank assessment of our own situation and recognition of changes we need to make. If we make those changes we will clearly see the true nature of God, our value to him and therefore our own value and worth. Then we will have no source or foundation for envy because we truly know who and whose we are.
Seeing clearly,
Z gardener
A much appreciated bit of encouragement from a fellow gardener. Blessings, Z.
Thank you again for this work you give.
It helps my day when I read it, some days more than others.
I heard a good piece on the radio the other day. It was about being discouraged and feeling like you received a “bad deal”.
It described the situations of Daniel and David. Both could have felt as though they did not receive credit or a reward, when they deserved it, but they both took the attitude that I know you have something good in store for me God. It was the attitude of, when one door closes, God opens another one.
It is a good reminder of faith being so important.