Let’s face it - when we are blinded by envy and hatred we find it almost impossible to see our own sin. Envy is quite frankly a very ugly emotion because it harbors such resentment at another’s success, advantages or perceived superiority. There are steps we can take that are underlined by a simple message: Trust in God. This will help you remove this ugly emotion from your life.
Recognize envy exists in your life
So just what is envy? Envy typically appears when we compare ourselves to others. Let the parable of the vineyard workers serve as an example. In Matthew 20:9-11 the workers hired first were not happy at the end of the day. “When those hired at five o’clock were paid, each received a full day’s wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day’s wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner….” They resented the fact that the workers who worked only a fraction of the time they did, received the same pay. They made that comparison and were filled with envy. Cain was very angry when the Lord did not accept his gift but was pleased with the gift from his brother Abel. He was filled with envy. We need to understand that envy does exist in our life and when we recognize it, we can do something about it.
Admit You are In Battle with God
Why would you doubt God’s goodness in your life? But you need to face it that when you are overcome with envy, you are doing battle with God. Doubt has reared its head. Resentment of God’s decision to bless somebody else is on your mind. You think God is being unfair. The reality though is that God knows what is best for you. Rick Warren said, “God’s extravagant, unconditional, unending love is the same for everyone.” You need to trust that God has a plan for your life. Think of ‘fair’ as just being a trap. Trust God and His love for you. Don’t let envy become a fever and drag you down. If you admit you are in this battle then you can prevent yourself from dismissing these feelings as ‘normal’. Can you demonstrate to God that you trust in Him to have a plan and to provide for your future?
Praise God and Rejoice with those who Rejoice
We are not to compare ourselves with others. Doing so leads to pride or envy. Romans 12:15 says “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” The second part probably comes a little easier than the first part. We think that there is this giant pie that’s divided up into slices and when people get a big slice, then that means there is less available for me. Do you think that God runs out of blessings? He’s got as much pie filling as He needs. He doesn’t have a finite amount of grace. This envy that penetrates our thinking keeps us from rejoicing with others. God is working in the other person’s life. Maybe you have just witnessed a mighty work! Have you seen God’s blessings poured upon people in your life recently? What can you do to rejoice with them?
Fellowship with Others - It Binds Us
If envy isolates us then fellowshipping with others binds us which in turn helps us to stop comparing. If we get to know others, we likely will stop comparing ourselves to them. Often we see on the surface other’s strengths and successes. As we get to know others well, we often can see their hurts, habits, even their hidden pain. Small groups are great for getting to know others and having good fellowship. Rick Warren tells about a woman in a small group who said: ”If we put our problems in a big pile at the center of this room and looked at them, at the end of the evening we’d probably take all of our problems back and go home.” This knowledge can also lead to acts of kindness to others. So, not only are we not comparing ourselves to others, we are limiting or eliminating envy, plus we are loving others, as Christ commanded us to do. Can you think of someone you envy or have envied before? How can you get to know them better? Ask the Lord how He views this individual.
Refocus
Okay, said another way “Get over it!” God has a plan for you. You should refocus yourself on discovering that plan and pursue it. Envy will be far from your thoughts because you will be getting more and more involved with His purpose in you. Philippians 2:13 “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” He planned this purpose before you were even born and it is a good purpose. Get excited for what He wants you to do and live your life for an audience of one. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Learn to Be Content
God looks at your character, not your comfort. Our society places a huge priority on comparing - we even compare our lawns, our cars, the schools we send our children to! We’ve got to stop! Paul said in Philippians 4:12 that “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” If we just understand that we are stewards of everything we have. We don’t own anything. It’s on loan! We didn't bring it into this world and we won’t take it with us! The psalmist said it this way “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires”. Psalm 37:4 (NLT) Dr. Charles Stanley sums it all up “When you truly delight yourself in the Lord and trust Him to bless you according to His plans and purposes, you’ll no longer feel a need for jealousy (envy) in your life. Then deep contentment will replace the old sense of envy and dissatisfaction.”
Everlasting Father, help me to not be envious towards my neighbors and friends. Remove any doubt about Your love for me and give me the words to rejoice when others have been blessed. Enable me to truly trust You and Your plan and purpose for my life. Trample out this ugly emotion called envy and fill me with true contentment in You. In Your Son’s Holy Name I pray, Amen.
"His faithful love endures forever."
Until next time...
Chaplain Gray
