CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 830

“Envy”

1 Samuel 18:8-9 (NIV) Saul was very angry; …“They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

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“Mine!” one child cries out as it wrestles a toy out of another child’s hands.  Some children will be perfectly content until they see another child with a toy that attracts them and the “Mine!” struggle ensues.

Watching infants and small children at play seems to indicate that it is in our human nature to covet.  As parents, we have to teach our children contentment and to share by our own life example more so than by our words.

Our behavior is not much different as adults, although the ‘toys’ get more expensive as do the consequences of covetous behavior.  Envy can make us sick in spirit and body.

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. – Proverbs 14:30

Envy rears its ugly head in every context in life and it is precisely this aspect of our flawed human character that is exploited by marketing agencies.  Take notice of how many advertisements and commercials appeal to our tendency to covet as a ploy to sell their product.

Envy pits neighbors, friends, and spouses against each other. It is a root of conflict between co-workers as well as pitting employees against employers.  Envy destroys relationships.  It will dissolve a business relationship and a marriage.  It will hinder your ministry.

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. – James 3:16

God’s Word says that all the Law hangs on the two commandments to Love.  Envy is the opposite of Love. It is directly in opposition to both these commandments at the same time.

… And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:36

Is there disorder and evil in your workplace, home, or church?  Look for the root of envy and eliminate it with the authority you have through Jesus Christ

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7

May the Holy Spirit strengthen you with contentment in all your circumstances.  May you resist the temptation to envy by the power and presence of Jesus in your heart.  May the Love of God be evident in your heart and in all your relationships.