Finding the tiny box at the back of the sixth shelf in the cupboard, nearly at the bottom, is something I do reluctantly. I have to bend down on my knees to see the box. I pull it out and see the most amazing item ever produced with human hands. I turn on a TV that comes up on my cell phone.
It only takes a second, and once again I have the TV turned on. Whatever channel I select, there's a numbing repetition. Ten minutes of programming is followed by ads. I turn off the sound and begin counting. Nine, ten, eleven. Eleven ads, one after the other! I can't even remember the various articles being advertised. The products are all a jumble But then, I realize something significant. The joint impact of movies, shows, carefully dolled-up women, and handsome men pulls at me. Ah, that emotion!
It's called Envy. I would like to have that beautiful house. That's a wonderful job, redoing that bathroom. And, I'm not really satisfied with my car. Hey! Here's another vehicle. It's just a little bit more expensive than what I have, perhaps, but if I budget things a bit better, and if I get rid of all emergencies in my life, then I'll be able to afford that new self-parking vehicle! Oh, I want it all!
Unfortunately, envy doesn't make us wealthier. Instead, this sin has a devastating effect on the human body. "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30
We are to enjoy life, but not envy things that make us feel wealthier! ""These are the decrees the Lord God directed me to teach you to observe in the land, so that you, your children, and their children after them, may fear the Lord ... and so that you may enjoy long life." Deuteronomy 6:1,2
So much on TV is about love! Love affairs. Loving pets. Loving holidays. Love is one of the predominant themes. Envy is often the core motive behind the endless murder-detective shows. How about this contrast between Love and Envy? "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." I Corinthians 13:4.
We take comfort in these wonderful verses, which I am referring to each day this week. (One day on each of the Seven Deadly Sins.)
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. If Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness." I Corinthians 10:13; Romans 8:8-10
"Thank you, Loving Father, for such clear guidance in your Word. I don't want to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. I want you to control my tendency to envy. I thank you that in you, there is fullness of joy. In you, I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly places, and that is enough for me."
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