“The Sin of Envy”

Thinking and studying on the word Envy from the New Testament I thought I would write a little about it. Many people would not want to believe they are guilty of this sin, but in this day and age it is probably one of the hardest to keep from entering our lives or thoughts.

Think about this one seriously, we have all been guilty of it. We might be able to even come up with at least one person we know that has something we wouldn’t mind having. You may say, sure they drive a car I wouldn’t mind having but so what, that’s no big deal is it? Wanting to succeed in a job, or provide for your family there is nothing wrong with that. But if people place more value laying up their treasure with God more than what we try to accumulate, the world would be a happier place.

Matthew 6:19-21
(19) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
(20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
(21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

A treasure is what we store up, or hold important and dear to us. If the things we are envious of is not of God, then as Jesus said, that is where your heart is.

The Greek meaning of envy is simple. Envy is jealousy, a self destructive measure in which ill will, spite or rivalry are a part of. Covet, Envy, Strife, Rivalry, Ill Will, Jealousy, seem to all be a part of each other and God calls every one a sin. But with each one of those you could add more and more sins on top of it, it would probably be a long list.

Covet- Is used differently many times and regarded as sin except in a few verses. In the New Testament for example in Corinthians, covet was a good thing. 1 Corinthians 12:31 – But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

In this Greek meaning it is to desire, or be zealous. Here we are told to “earnestly desire”, which shows he is strongly suggesting we are to ask God for the best gifts, which will be a benefit to the Gospel. God wants us to keep our spiritual target about the things of God.

Envy is found many times in the Bible and has been used for everything from coveting a relationship, material wealth, even preaching the gospel. Philippians 1:15 - Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife; and some also from good will.

Paul does not say why, but mentions those who are preaching from envy are wanting to keep him in bondage. We could assume that they may have seen the work that was being done with the gospel or the growth of the early church, maybe even the status Paul was gaining and wished that for themselves. A few verses down the page, Paul said regardless if they were preaching it for ill will towards him or those preaching for good, as long as the gospel was being preached he was happy.

We know that we are told to love our neighbor, but you cannot truly love someone, if in your heart you may be jealous or have feelings of ill will. Some would never admit to being jealous openly, but you can just look around and see how many people are trying to ‘keep up with the Jone’s.’ Everyday you can pretty much witness envy or jealousy in one form or another, television, family or friends, workplaces…. it is so common some are not even ashamed to hide it.

Jealousy can come because they think someone has a better job, car, house, marriage, or jealous of a relationship. But when we are jealous or envious, if it isn’t the good things or desire for God, then we are doing more harm to ourselves in so many ways and we are sinning against God. Instead of trusting God we are jealous for things that may not be good for us or in God’s will.

Jealousy can cause a person to be angry and even hurtful to the person they are targeting, or even their own family who got caught up in the crossfire. You see what someone else has and get angry at your spouse for not making more money to buy those things. You may not say to your spouse you are upset that you can’t buy more things, but through your actions or words, trust me, they feel the heat. Now, because of the envy you have an attitude with your family…and now your relationships are effected. It causes stress and discord in your own heart and reflects on everyone around you.

If someone is jealous of you, you can talk to them about some of the great things about their life. Pray for them and in love give them scripture to help focus their attention on being content with what God has provided for each one of us right now.

God knows what we need, but our desires should be for a better relationship to him. Our desires should be for spiritual growth, for helping others and being glad for our Christian friends who do well. God blesses us everyday and gives to each of us as he wills and in due time. As a Christian each one of us has different needs and that includes spiritually. God does not give us all the same things. Remember we are Christians for God’s will, not our own. We are servants, we were bought with a price.

1 Timothy 6:6-11
(6)  But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(7)  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
(8)  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(9)  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
(10)  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Be content with what you have trusting and have faith in God, allow God to lead.

Study;

Proverbs 23:17, Mark 15:10, Acts 7:9, Luke 22:24, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3, James 3:14-16