Scripture (KJV) – Proverbs 14:30
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
Reflection
Envy is one of those sins that can quietly enter the heart without anyone else knowing it is there.
We see someone else’s success, possessions, family, ministry, home, job, or opportunities, and instead of being thankful for what God has given them, we begin wondering, “Why don’t I have that?”
Comparison can quickly steal our contentment.
Solomon tells us, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” That is strong language because envy does something destructive inside us. The person we envy may not even know how we feel, yet we are the ones carrying the bitterness.
Envy can eventually make another person’s blessing feel like our loss.
That should never characterize the heart of a Christian.
God has not given every person the same life, abilities, possessions, opportunities, or calling. He knows exactly what He is doing with each one of us. Instead of constantly looking at what someone else has, we should learn to recognize what God has already placed in our own hands.
Social media can make this struggle even harder. We see people’s vacations, accomplishments, homes, families, and celebrations, but we rarely see their struggles, disappointments, fears, or tears. We can end up comparing the difficult reality of our own life with the carefully selected moments of someone else’s.
That is not a fair comparison.
There is another danger with envy. If we allow it to remain long enough, it can become resentment. Instead of rejoicing when God blesses someone, we secretly become disappointed. We may even begin looking for faults in that person simply to make ourselves feel better.
When that happens, we need to stop examining them and start examining ourselves.
Can you genuinely rejoice when someone else receives something you wanted?
Can you thank God for another person’s blessing without asking why He did not give the same thing to you?
Those questions can reveal what is happening within our hearts.
The cure for envy is gratitude. Begin thanking God for what He has already given you. Thank Him for salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank Him for another day of life. Thank Him for the people who love you. Thank Him for every opportunity He has placed before you.
You may discover that while you were looking at someone else’s blessings, you had overlooked many of your own.
Do not allow comparison to steal the joy of what God has already placed in your life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal any envy, jealousy, or resentment that I have allowed to grow within me. Forgive me for the times I have compared my life with others instead of being thankful for Your blessings. Help me genuinely rejoice when You bless someone else. Give me a grateful and contented heart, and remind me that You know what is best for my life. Keep my eyes upon Jesus Christ instead of constantly looking at what others have. Thank You for Your mercy, Your provision, Your love, and especially for the salvation You have given me through Your Son. Help me live each day thankful for what You have placed in my hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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