ENVYINGS
Vine’s
Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words states: “envy is the
feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or
prosperity of others.” The feelings of envy can lead to other evil works such
as jealousy and covetousness. Since self is supposed to be crucified in the
child of God, envy has no place in the life of the sanctified believer.
“For I
fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that! shall
be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings,
wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults” (2 Cor. 12:20).
The Bible
records numerous instances of envy motivating the actions recorded in several
passages in the Word of God. Stephen, in his message in the seventh chapter of
Acts, reminds the Jews that the patriarchs were moved by envy when they sold
their brother, Joseph, into Egyptian captivity. Joseph’s brothers believed that
their father, Jacob, favored Joseph over them. They were displeased with the
relationship which seemed to exist between Jacob and Joseph. Motivated by
feelings of envy, Joseph’s brothers desired to be rid of him permanently.
“And he
gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised
him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve
patriarchs, And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but
God was with him” (Acts 7:8, 9).
The
scriptures describe envying as the lust of the flesh. Paul, in Romans chapter
13, exhorts believers to put on Christ and make no allowance for the flesh.
Those who belong to Christ will not walk in the works of the flesh. Instead of
envying others for their possessions, positions, or favor with others,
Christians should rejoice with others in their good fortune. Walking honestly
as a Christian means to avoid envying and the other works of the flesh.
“Let us
walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering
and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Rom. 13:13,
14).
The Word
of God teaches us to flee envying by being content with our present
circumstance. Our joy and inspiration cannot depend on the material possessions
we have in comparison to others. We have the greatest possession man can have
when we have Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. As Christians, we must learn
how to be abased and how to abound. The Christian cannot let himself fall into
a situation where his spiritual wellbeing is dependent on how well God enables
him to “keep up with the Joneses.”
“But
godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this
world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment
let us be therewith content” (1 Tim 6:6-8).
Our
confidence in God should cause us to rejoice because God loves us and will
provide for all of our needs. We belong to Him because He has paid a supreme
price for us; therefore, we can be assured He will provide for us everything
that is necessary for our welfare. We have no need to envy anyone when Christ
is our provider. The scriptures teach us that He knows our needs and will
supply them as any parent will provide for the needs of their children.
Christians must not compete against one another; they must esteem one another
above themselves. This is the opposite of vain glory, or envying one another.
“Let us not be desirous of vain glory,
provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal 5:26).
Every
local church that has a problem with the fleshly work of envying being
widespread among its members will be filled with confusion. Strife usually
develops from an infection of envy among members. Envying is an indication of
the human nature of those involved that is absent of the “dying daily” process,
and it is a witness to the lack of grace and spirituality. Displeasure over
what is perceived as someone else’s advantage, will usually generate bitter
feelings toward that person or persons by the one filled with jealousy.
“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).
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
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