BATTLING THE GREEN-EYED MONSTER

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. – Pro 14:30

ENVY (aka jealousy, aka resentment, aka spite) is the resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting somebody else's success, good fortune, qualities, or possessions. It is also the hidden wish that something evil happens to said better-off persons.

Envy is a subtle yet extremely destructive spirit that can lurk in the hearts of even the most devout of Believers. Unlike overt evils like lust and rage, envy can manifest itself while still concealed in our lives. This is why we need to watch out for it.

Envy is a ravaging virus that destroys its host. Job 5:2 says “wrath kills the foolish man, and envy slays the simple one.”

Envy was the first sin outside the Garden of Eden. After it entered and destroyed the heart of Cain, every evil became committable – even MURDER.

Envy will destroy a blossoming relationship. Envy is responsible for the implosion of once thriving organisations. Envy in families has left wounds that lasted for generations. Envy in the heart of a Believer will lead them to commit sins that they normally would consider unthinkable.

Envy is the evil we must destroy before it destroys us.  But here’s the problem: it’s not easy to detect once it has embedded itself.

I’ve seen envious people do calamitous things without any feeling of wrongdoing. They may give their reasons: that brother is too proud, that sister is too flirtatious, that man is stingy, etc. there will always be a rationale for our ill will against another, but the reason lies much closer to the heart.

The best way to catch Envy is before it enters. Acknowledge to yourself that there will ALWAYS be people better than you in some area of your life: financial, physical, ministerial, etc. So, when the Devil comes with his evil suggestions, you’re already aware of where he’s going to.

 “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (Gal 5:26, Jas 3:16).

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN