Life Lessons: Four Warnings Against Envy
Webster' New World Dictionary defines envy as, "a feeling of discontent and ill will because of another's advantages [or] possessions..."
Envy causes us to despise others because they get a promotion, things, recognition, friends, clothes or even perceived good looks. We feel discontent and ill will towards them because we think we deserve what they have. This strong emotion can lead us to justify hatred or even doing mean spirited actions towards others. The book of Proverbs warns against the destructive self-deception caused by envy.
Points to Build
1. We avoid envying those who gain things by oppressing others by seeking God's counsel.
Proverbs 3:31-32: "Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways; For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, But His secret counsel is with the upright."
2. The remedy for envy is to remember that this life is temporary and God will reward those who follow His ways.
Proverbs 23:17-18: "Do not let your heart envy sinners, But in the fear of the LORD continue all day long. For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off."
3. Don't envy evil people because they will reap what they sow.
Proverbs 24:19-20: "Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked; For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out."
4. Envy will have a negative effect on a person's health.
Proverbs 14:30: "A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones."
Application - Keep Envy Out of Your Mind
Envy can be one of the most emotionally, physically and spiritually destructive forces in our lives. The best time to deal with envy is before it begins to cloud your thoughts. Some ways we can keep envy out of our minds:
1. Daily pray for God to center your thoughts on His values.
2. Take time to be thankful for all the good things in your life.
3. Don't waste emotional energy comparing your life to the lives of others.
4. Remember that there is a future judgment, and God has promised rewards for those who follow His ways.
Life is too short to waste on negative emotions. Envy produces discontent and ill will towards others. Contentment comes from being daily thankful for the good in life.
Course Content
Gary Petty
Gary Petty is a 1978 graduate of Ambassador College with a BS in mass communications. He worked for six years in radio in Pennsylvania and Texas. He was ordained a minister in 1984 and has served congregations in Longview and Houston Texas; Rockford, Illinois; Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin; and San Antonio, Austin and Waco, Texas. He presently pastors United Church of God congregations in Nashville, Murfreesboro and Jackson, Tennessee.
Gary says he's "excited to be a part of preaching the good news of God's Kingdom over the airwaves," and "trusts the material presented will make a helpful difference in people's lives, bringing them closer to a relationship with their heavenly Father."
