Envy and jealousy come in many forms. It is insidious. It is sin. And, it hurts.
Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Whether this kind of poison is choking us out or consistently present under specific circumstances, we need to acknowledge it and then do something about it. This message isn't for that one person you know but bluntly put, it's for you, me, and all of us.
When you find yourself unable to be happy for a friend or family member's joy or success, that is a problem inside of you. When you are tempted to rain on another's parade, downplay their gifts and accomplishments, or criticize them in your heart when they have something you want, that is a "you" problem, not a "them." We lie to ourselves when we deny this. We have all experienced that sharp pain of envy run through us at one time or another.
Unchecked, envy can do damage in our lives and in those around us. Being envious doesn't feel good. It really hurts, doesn't it? It is one of those emotions we can feel in our body and we want to defend it, quickly. We wrap one arm around ourselves to hide and protect it while using the other arm to point at the object of our envy as if it is all their fault.
Looking at it from a different perspective, we have all been with people who we have instinctively known are envious of us for one reason or another. For myself, it leads to feeling unsafe around that person. I know that our relationship will always have a limit. Full trust will never be there. It is something we don't ask for and it really hurts. It's plain ugly.
Oh man, how we need God! His desire is that we have a heart of peace because it does give life to our body. Envy makes us sick. It gives way to problems such as exhaustion, headaches, digestive issues, and a slew of emotional, relational and spiritual challenges. Envy tells us that we are not enough. It makes us feel ashamed. It lies to us. It can imprison us. It is evil and it rots the bones.
The good news is that we're not left there. There is hope for freedom in this area. Next time you feel envy rise up inside of you, take time to check in with yourself. Where is it coming from? What is it about? Confess it and ask God to help you. Turn it around and instead pray for blessing and favor over the object of your envy. That is a sure weed killer! Also, keep in mind your own worth and value. Ask God how He sees you. Ask Him for what is real and true about you. Take a minute to ponder His love.
Remember that this not about the other person. It's about you and you're worth seeking peace in all the areas of your life. Be free. God says it!
Written by,
Dee M. Kostelyk
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