DEALING WITH THE SIN OF ENVY

MATHEW 20:1-16

Meditation verse:

“Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? (Mathew 20:15)

What is your usual reaction when you see others blessed by God, especially in the areas where you desperately need Him to bless you? Are you genuinely pleased, or do you resent them inwardly? Do you give God the glory on their behalf, or do you get bitter and feel God is unfair? If you find yourself feeling resentful at the progress of others, you may be dealing with the sin of envy. Envy is a deadly sin that robs you of your peace, gratitude, and joy. It puts you in a place of constantly comparing yourself with others, therefore blinding you to your own blessings. Envy turns you into an ingrate. It is an ugly sin that you must never allow to take root in your life.

Jesus likened the principle behind parable of the landowner to that of the Kingdom of heaven. The landowner gave equal wages to every worker irrespective of the hour they began working. When questioned by the workers who had begun their work earlier, the landowner replied: “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things”? “The earth is the Lord’s, and all of its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). The owner of the universe has the authority to do with everything on earth as He pleases. “…He puts down one and exalts another” (Psalm 75:7). “…He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mathew 5:45). He said to Moses “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion” (Romans 9:15). Who are we then to question God’s authority? “Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!” (Romans 9:14).

When next you see someone being blessed with something you desire greatly, rejoice with them, and let your rejoicing be genuine. Commend them and thank God on their behalf. You can even let them know that you are looking to God for a similar miracle. This way, you are limiting the chances of envy taking root in your heart. “…It is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy” (Romans 9:16).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.